‘We had a few words’: Klopp shares honest thoughts on Liverpool youngster

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Jurgen Klopp has defended Rhian Brewster after he missed a penalty during Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield yesterday.

The Premier League winning boss shared that he had ‘a few words’ with Brewster after the game and the academy product isn’t to blame for what occurred at Wembley, as quoted by the Mirror.

Brewster came on in stoppage-time for Gini Wijnaldum, specifically to add more bite to Liverpool’s penalty takers because that’s where the game was heading, but his own spot-kick ended up brushing the crossbar.

It was a moment of agony for the player, who is looking to be a part of Liverpool’s squad this season, as Klopp came to the aide of his player and was pretty honest in how the whole thing panned out.

“This will not harm Rhian,” said Klopp, as quoted by the Mirror. “If anyone is to blame, it is me. But I wanted him in the position because he is a real finisher and confident. Today, not. That happens in football and life.

“We all have to learn and prove we can deal with defeats. If he would have scored and someone else missed, it’s the same theme. There are bigger reasons than that. Missing it like this is possible. I have never seen him miss one but today it happens, it can.

“I rarely share my football experiences with the boys because it was so long ago. He missed a penalty, we had a few words, it is all fine. No need to apologise, that is football. No problem.”

As Klopp stated, this will make Brewster a better player and make him a stronger character down the line.

His own club captain – Jordan Henderson – has been through it all, and much worse, at Anfield and is proof that you can bounce back and prove yourself from absolutely anything.

The other plus for Brewster is that he is part of a strong dressing room and he has the backing of his manager.

It remains to be seen whether he will stay at the club this season, or just like the last campaign, whether he is shipped out on-loan so he can earn regular game time.