Andy Robertson has revealed that a frank conversation with Jurgen Klopp was the turning point in his Liverpool career, after a difficult start at Anfield left him doubting his ability to succeed at the club.
The Scottish left-back joined Liverpool from Hull City for £8 million in 2017, a fee that now seems remarkably low. However, he made only three starts before December of his first season, as Klopp had reservations about his defensive capabilities.
Speaking ahead of his emotional farewell against Brentford on Sunday, Robertson admitted he was initially afraid to approach the manager. "I was sh***ing myself. Honestly, it was getting to a point where I had to say something," he said. "I have never had that confidence. I have always felt uncertainty but wherever I have been, I have always just wanted to play."
The conversation finally took place in October. Robertson recalled: "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?’. 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."
Determined to follow Klopp's advice, Robertson resolved to give his all. "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’. 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. But 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."
A Trophy-Laden Career
Robertson went on to win virtually every major honour during his nine-year Liverpool career, including the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup twice, the FIFA World Club Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. His departure nearly marks the end of an era, with Mohamed Salah also leaving, and doubts over the futures of Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez.
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. I’m glad one of our Egyptian friends (Salah) might take a bit more of the limelight. I can just sneak underneath that. 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."
The 32-year-old decided to leave after losing his starting place to Milos Kerkez, and discussions 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. 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."
