Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Football, Mario Balotelli
Marcus Chan
Jurgen Klopp once froze out a Liverpool player that he described as world-class without playing him once.
Back in October 2015, Klopp joined Liverpool after Brendan Rodgers was sacked.
From the moment Klopp signed for the Reds, the mood within the club completely changed and the German has since led Liverpool to the Champions League, Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, FA Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Advert
Throughout the years, Klopp has overseen a huge number of ins and outs in terms of transfers.
Despite being known as one of the nicest managers in world football, Klopp has also made some ruthless decisions during his time as Liverpool boss.
Back in 2016, Italian striker Mario Balotelli returned to the club from a loan spell with AC Milan, with the hope that he would be part of Klopp’s plans.
Advert
However, Klopp had other ideas for a player that he described as world-class.
Balotelli was left behind on Merseyside as Liverpool travelled to the United States for a pre-season tour and had to train with the Under-18s.
Balotelli ended up joining French side Nice on a free transfer after Klopp brought in Sadio Mane from Southampton.
Advert
Speaking about Balotelli, Klopp said, as per the Daily Mirror: “I can talk of Mario because that one is obvious. I heard a lot about him ever since I came here… Since he has been back here, he's been a good guy and I can't say anything different than that. It's not that he's come back and said: 'Who's the boss, I'm the boss, no sorry it's you'. It's not been that at all. Everything’s been good, it’s all okay.
“We want Mario to become the player he was before his injury. The talent is still there - no doubt about it. When we have done the crossing, heading and stuff (in training), he’s been world class. But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position so it’s clear we need a solution.”