Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has explained how his new defensive teammates, Ragnar Klavan and Jöel Matip, have been settling into life at the club – also acknowledging the two players’ quality.
Klavan and Matip both joined Liverpool this summer from Augsburg and FC Schalke respectively. After boss Jürgen Klopp let go of two centre-backs in Kolo Touré and Martin Škrtel, the onus was on Klavan and Matip to not only replace them but contribute well to solving their new side’s defensive problems.
The moves represented the first time both players would ever get to play in England’s top flight and when asked how they’ve settled in thus far, Lovren said:
“Great to be honest.
“It’s always [helpful] when you speak English or understand it – it’s much easier and faster to adapt to the team.” he told Liverpool’s official website.
“Both of them are great, great lads and great football players, and they know who to ask if they need something.
“They are players with quality and they understand the plan and the meaning of Jürgen, what he wants during training and the games. They have adapted quite quickly.”
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Due to injuries affecting both at some stage between pre-season and the already-begun 2016/17 campaign, Lovren hasn’t had a consistent partner in central defence. Despite that, the Croatian insists he’s content with whoever he plays alongside, emphasising that the most important thing is ensuring that there exists an understanding between himself and his partner.
“It’s always like that but I’m comfortable with everyone and I’m trying my best to be in good shape with each partner – Ragnar, Matip or Sakho,” he added.
“Everything is okay and the most important thing is that we understand each other on the pitch.”
Lovren will look to establish a stronger connection between himself and his defensive teammates in order to put in better displays at the back when Liverpool return to Anfield to face Leicester after the international break.