Sunday was always going to be an emotional occasion for Liverpool supporters.
The first game after Jurgen Klopp’s bombshell that he’s leaving at the end of the season, there will have been a few tears shed at Anfield.
But there was also another reason that the game against Norwich City was a bigger deal than usual. It saw the return of Andy Robertson after almost four months out injured.
Robertson has rarely been injured over more than six years at Liverpool. As a result, Klopp had previously admitted that he was champing at the bit to get back on the pitch. He finally did last weekend, coming on as a 55th-minute substitute.
As you’d expect, the 29-year-old was given a terrific reception by the supporters. And speaking to liverpoolfc.com yesterday, teammate Ibrahima Konate suggested that Robertson’s Anfield welcome had not been a surprise to anyone.
“The fans love Robbo and Robbo loves the fans,” Konate explains. “It was a very nice reception and I was so happy for him. This gives him a good boost to come back at his best level. It’s early because he just came back from a long injury, but he’s with the team again and when he came back he did very well. I just hope for the best for him because he helps us a lot.”
Robertson love story continues
Given how much Robertson clearly loves being at Liverpool, it was strange to see some rumours about his future emerge this week.
Obviously, Klopp’s decision to leave has thrown just about everything at Anfield up in the air. No one can say for certain what will happen with the playing and coaching staff over the coming months and years.
As a result, BBC pundit Chris Sutton claimed that Robertson could be one of those looking to follow Jurgen out of the club.
Clearly, we could be wrong, but we just don’t see that happening. At all.
For someone like Virgil van Dijk, perhaps there is a bigger chance of something like that happening. Of course, we all hope Van Dijk stays and as the captain, it certainly feels very possible that he will.
But the Dutchman is also one of the most recognisable footballers on the planet. He’s a huge name who would probably still alert the attention of every top team on the planet if he decides to leave Liverpool.
With the greatest of respect to Robbo, you can’t imagine he’d command quite the same level of interest. To us, it feels that the Scotland captain was made for us and we were made for him. This is his club now, whichever way you slice it.
As one of Klopp’s great stalwarts during his time with the Reds, it’s pleasing that Robertson is now back fit and able to play a part. Liverpool are stronger for having him back.
Beyond that, we’ll expect to see Robbo remain with the club into next season and beyond. He loves us, we love him. There’s nothing more to discuss.
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