Andy Robertson has revealed that a pivotal conversation with Jurgen Klopp transformed his Liverpool career, leading to nine trophy-filled years at Anfield. The left-back, who joined from Hull City for £8 million in 2017, made just three starts before December in his debut season as Klopp harboured doubts about his defensive abilities.
Speaking ahead of his emotional farewell against Brentford on Sunday, Robertson admitted he was unsure if he could succeed at Liverpool. "I was sh***ing myself. Honestly, it was getting to a point where I had to say something," said the Scotland captain. "I have never had that confidence. I have always felt uncertainty but wherever I have been, I have always just wanted to play."
The 32-year-old recalled plucking up the courage to knock on Klopp's door in October of his first season. "It wasn't confrontational, I wasn't having a go. The first question I asked him was, 'what do I need to do to get into your team?'," Robertson explained. "He thought it was obvious. We'd had a conversation back in the March or April and I had maybe forgotten what he had told me so it was nice to get that refresh."
After that meeting, Robertson's mindset shifted. "I just went in the next day and I thought, 'everything he has said to me, I am going to do. If I fail, I fail'," he said. "I didn't know if I was going to be good enough and I didn't know if I would win trophies but I promised myself I was going to give 100 per cent every day to have the best possible chance. That's what I'm most proud about."
The transformation was immediate. "After that conversation, everything clicked. I took the attitude of, 'I'm at Liverpool and I'm going to do everything I can to make this work'. After that day, me and him never really looked back," Robertson added.
Trophy-laden career at Anfield
Robertson went on to win the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, the FIFA World Club Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. His departure marks the end of an era, with Mohamed Salah also leaving and question marks over Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez's futures.
In a fitting twist, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, one of Robertson's closest friends, will be in the Brentford squad on Sunday. Henderson left Liverpool for an ill-fated spell in the Saudi Pro League in 2023 and will receive a belated farewell. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will also feature for Brentford.
Robertson expressed relief that he won't be the sole focus of the farewell. "I'm delighted that I won't be the only one doing it. That was my worry, being front and centre of the whole thing," he said. "I'm glad one of our Egyptian friends (Salah) might take a bit more of the limelight. I can just sneak underneath that."
He added: "Obviously the farewell will be emotional. I really hope Hendo gets a pretty special ovation on Sunday (for) what he did for this club, how he led us to win those trophies."
Decision to leave
Robertson decided to leave after losing his starting place to Milos Kerkez and talks over a new deal broke down when expectations did not align. "I am happy I've had nine years and I leave with no regrets, no bitterness," he said. "This club is unique. When you step away, it is always going to be difficult but it is also about finding happiness elsewhere, which a lot of people have shown can be done."
Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Robertson concluded: "For me, some (who left) maybe felt they still had more to give to Liverpool. I look back on my nine years and I know I have given absolutely everything."
