JOEL Matip has expressed his joy at being able to represent Liverpool and believes that Jürgen Klopp can make him an even better player.
The Cameroon international joined the Reds from Schalke on a free transfer in the summer and has slotted seamlessly into Liverpool’s back line.
Matip was a player Klopp knew well from his time in the Bundesliga, managing Schalke’s rivals Dortmund, and the defender has praised his boss and teammates for helping him settle in quickly.
In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, he said: “It’s an honour and a joy to play for Liverpool. It’s a great club. I’ve been able to help the team get some good results and I am really happy to be here.
“Why did I settle so quickly? My teammates helped me from the first day I was here. That support meant I could play my game.
“There are a lot of nice guys in the squad. We laugh a lot and hopefully we will achieve a lot.
“I’m also playing for a great coach who improves every player he works with. I still think I can improve and I know I will get better.”
Matip has been a crucial part of the Reds’ form, unbeaten in 13 games and yet to lose at home, and he believes that the backing from the stands encourages the players to perform on the pitch.
In the second part of his interview with the ECHO, he added: “Before my first home game [against Leicester] I was stood in the middle of the pitch looking around Anfield.
“The Kop was singing and I was like ‘woah’. It was an amazing feeling to be out there in the middle.
“Every home game is so special and enjoyable. The atmosphere the fans generate really encourages us as players. It drives us on, knowing the fans are right behind us.”
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