Naby Keita: Jurgen Klopp is almost like a best friend and he’s a coach who can communicate.

Jurgen Klopp is 'like a best friend' but also motivates his players, says Naby Keita.

Keita believes he has improved as a player under Klopp since joining from RB Leipzig. [Getty]

Liverpool central midfielder Naby Keita believes he has 'improved a lot' as a player since working with manager Jurgen Klopp.

The exciting Midfielder has struggled to seal a spot in Liverpool's starting XI since joining from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for £52.7m, although injuries have plighted his career at Anfield.

All in all, the 25-year-old is delighted that the former Dortmund boss Klopp has improved his all-round game and given him confidence.

Keita, who has starred only 12 times for the Anfield club this season, told Liverpool magazine, via the Echo: 'When I arrived I had to try to settle in and be able to integrate with the team. I respect his choices, so I was there to work every day.

'I think I have now improved a lot, apart from my injuries which have kept me out of several matches.' The Guinea international continued: 'He [Klopp] is somebody who is able to give you explanations on the field, and that helps a lot and when you play of course you don’t ever doubt yourself. That’s coaching and he sees everything.

'When you see him on the sideline and you’re on the field, it’s as if he’s playing with you and that gives you a lot of desire to do better. 'He’s always there for his players, he’s almost like a best friend but he’s a coach who can communicate with all his players. 'He will always defend his players because for him all the players are the same. There is no difference to him,' the 25-year-old concluded.

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