Lovren and Lallana have been two of the most improved players under Klopp.
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has told the club’s official website that self-belief from himself and Adam Lallana helped them improve their careers at Anfield – and that everything changed when Jürgen Klopp came in as manager.
Both Lallana and Lovren joined from Southampton in the summer of 2014, and it took a while to convince fans of their roles in the side.
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren celebrates scoring their second goal
Lovren was error prone at the heart of the defence while Lallana was criticised because people didn’t really know what he did, and suggested he wasn’t contributing enough in the final third.
However, both players seem to have shown signs of improvement – partly down to the manager but Lovren also believes the mentality they both have has helped get their careers back on track.
He told the club’s official website: “When Jürgen came, it changed everything. I had my confidence. I’m still growing better and better with him. I can be a better player.
“The most important thing is that these kinds of players, who are really strong mentally, will never stop fighting.
Liverpool’s Adam Lallana with Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
“We went through this and I think it says a lot about mental strength – and not just me and Adam, a couple more players have really improved.
“You need to be mentally strong if you want to compete. Every three or four days, there are big games and a lot of stress. You need to be ready to work hard. Nothing comes easy in life.”
Their belief must have received something of a boost during the past couple of transfer windows in that the manager didn’t look to make wholesale changes to the squad, and felt that with a bit of coaching they could improve at the club.
Liverpool’s Adam Lallana in action with Crystal Palace’s James McArthur
Furthermore, both Lallana and Lovren are part of the manager’s starting XI week in, week out – underlining his faith in their ability.
There are probably improvements to be made for both players, particularly in the case of Lovren as he still has an error in him, but he has shown he can handle the bigger striking threats in the league – while Lallana’s importance was shown in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United last month, where his introduction seemed to lift a side that was lacking a little in direction.
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