Having the trust of Jürgen Klopp has helped Emre Can produce his best performances for Liverpool – and the midfielder is confident of stepping up another level in the new season.
When the Reds returned from their pre-season tour of America in 2014 the German was a recent arrival, shyly finding his way as he got to grips with new surroundings, new expectations and a new language.
Two years on and at the completion of another summer trip to the United States, Can is a changed character. Confidence exudes from him as he speaks quietly, but thoughtfully, in excellent English.
A number of factors have brought the No.23 to this point, not least the appointment of Klopp and the close working partnership the compatriots have built in the past 10 months.
Can told Liverpoolfc.com: “I have a very good relationship with the manager, everybody knows that. He is a very, very good manager and I learn a lot. Every day I learn something new from him.
“For me, it’s very important to have the trust of the manager, and I have his trust. That’s why I can always show my best.
“I want to become better every day. I will try it and we will see what the season will bring. Of course, I want to be better than last season and I want to score more, that’s one target for me. I want to play well.”
Klopp’s infectious manner has inspired all of those around him at Liverpool, with a thirst for hard work underpinning the enormous smile that is so often the default expression on his face.
It has allowed the boss to develop strong connections with the players as he attempts to lead them to success with an enthusiastic approach Can terms ‘positive crazy’.
“Pre-season is a little bit different because he wants us to always work hard,” said the 22-year-old.
“But, of course, he is always smiling off the pitch. I like this kind of presence. It’s always good to have that close to you. That kind of presence can affect you.
“That’s the manager – I always say he’s a little bit ‘positive crazy’. Off the pitch he is a very good guy, everybody knows that he is very close to us.
“He can be very loud – you can see that on the sideline when he is shouting sometimes! It’s important for him that you always give everything.
“If you have the trust of the manager, you will always give everything for him and the club. That’s what we always try to do.”
Can ended 2015-16 in outstanding form, notably returning from an untimely injury earlier than expected to help send the Reds to the Europa League final.
Disappointment followed against Sevilla in Basel but the Germany international felt ‘very good development’ was evident in the team during the closing months of the season.
He therefore looks to the coming campaign as another opportunity to target trophies – ‘it always has to be’ – and, on a personal level, to become more of a leader in the side.
Can added: “I now have more experience and have played in international games. I was one of the new players when I came here two years ago and now I want to lead the team, I want to give my best for the team.
“I want to go my own way as Emre Can. Of course, my target is to become a legend one day.
“I always try to give my best. I want to show the people that I give everything for the club and show myself that I give everything for the club. Of course, it’s not always easy. But I try it.”
As well as the faith of the manager, the midfielder draws on messages received from supporters as extra motivation to move up a gear.
“I heard [about praise from the fans] a lot,” he said. “If I look at my social media I can see it.
“I’m very, very thankful. It always means that you give something for the club. It’s a big honour for me. This year I want to go again and do better than last season.”
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/fir...t-inspiring-emre-can-to-be-a-liverpool-leader
When the Reds returned from their pre-season tour of America in 2014 the German was a recent arrival, shyly finding his way as he got to grips with new surroundings, new expectations and a new language.
Two years on and at the completion of another summer trip to the United States, Can is a changed character. Confidence exudes from him as he speaks quietly, but thoughtfully, in excellent English.
A number of factors have brought the No.23 to this point, not least the appointment of Klopp and the close working partnership the compatriots have built in the past 10 months.
Can told Liverpoolfc.com: “I have a very good relationship with the manager, everybody knows that. He is a very, very good manager and I learn a lot. Every day I learn something new from him.
“For me, it’s very important to have the trust of the manager, and I have his trust. That’s why I can always show my best.
“I want to become better every day. I will try it and we will see what the season will bring. Of course, I want to be better than last season and I want to score more, that’s one target for me. I want to play well.”
Klopp’s infectious manner has inspired all of those around him at Liverpool, with a thirst for hard work underpinning the enormous smile that is so often the default expression on his face.
It has allowed the boss to develop strong connections with the players as he attempts to lead them to success with an enthusiastic approach Can terms ‘positive crazy’.
“Pre-season is a little bit different because he wants us to always work hard,” said the 22-year-old.
“But, of course, he is always smiling off the pitch. I like this kind of presence. It’s always good to have that close to you. That kind of presence can affect you.
“That’s the manager – I always say he’s a little bit ‘positive crazy’. Off the pitch he is a very good guy, everybody knows that he is very close to us.
“He can be very loud – you can see that on the sideline when he is shouting sometimes! It’s important for him that you always give everything.
“If you have the trust of the manager, you will always give everything for him and the club. That’s what we always try to do.”
Can ended 2015-16 in outstanding form, notably returning from an untimely injury earlier than expected to help send the Reds to the Europa League final.
Disappointment followed against Sevilla in Basel but the Germany international felt ‘very good development’ was evident in the team during the closing months of the season.
He therefore looks to the coming campaign as another opportunity to target trophies – ‘it always has to be’ – and, on a personal level, to become more of a leader in the side.
Can added: “I now have more experience and have played in international games. I was one of the new players when I came here two years ago and now I want to lead the team, I want to give my best for the team.
“I want to go my own way as Emre Can. Of course, my target is to become a legend one day.
“I always try to give my best. I want to show the people that I give everything for the club and show myself that I give everything for the club. Of course, it’s not always easy. But I try it.”
As well as the faith of the manager, the midfielder draws on messages received from supporters as extra motivation to move up a gear.
“I heard [about praise from the fans] a lot,” he said. “If I look at my social media I can see it.
“I’m very, very thankful. It always means that you give something for the club. It’s a big honour for me. This year I want to go again and do better than last season.”
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/fir...t-inspiring-emre-can-to-be-a-liverpool-leader
