Six weeks into the new football season, Liverpool’s poor defensive record — 16 goals in nine games in all competitions – has led to increasingly shrill criticism of Jurgen Klopp’s methods.
But Joel Matip, who has firmly established himself at the heart of Liverpool’s defence since his arrival at Anfield just over a year ago, defends his manager’s style of play. In this interview with The Hindu , the 26-year-old Cameroonian also reflects on his time under Felix Magath at Schalke and speaks of his desire to win trophies with Liverpool. Excerpts
On Liverpool’s style of play
Every style of play has both a positive and a negative side but I have no doubts about the way we play. It’s different to what other teams play often but it’s a good way. It’s different because we (the defenders) are a little higher. But it’s not always good to be deep because then it’s hard for the others to do everything. Sometimes it’s a little difficult but it’s really helpful to defend an opponent far away from your own goal. That’s the way we play and we’re good with it.
On Jurgen Klopp
He’s a friendly person but if there’s a problem he speaks directly. He can be hard but he can also be friendly. I really enjoy working with him.
On Liverpool’s 27-year league title-drought
A club like Liverpool always wants to win trophies. Every player wants to win trophies. A little more pressure doesn’t hurt. But I hope all the players don’t feel more pressure than they should.
On Felix Magath
I’m really thankful to him for what he did for me (giving him his Bundesliga debut at Schalke) but there’s no doubt he was the toughest manager I ever had.
It (his tough training methods) was something I had never experienced before but I’m so thankful I did. Some of his sessions would just go on and on. You train that way the whole week and when you play on the weekend, it feels...[easy].
On the Premier League Fanpark
They will be bringing a little bit of Anfield to India for the people who don’t have the opportunity to watch Premier League games here or meet former players. It’s amazing that Liverpool has supporters in India who know a lot about the club and support the club from so far away.
