Kuyt ‘really excited’ for Liverpool under Klopp

Matt Stead

Liverpool cult hero Dirk Kuyt says he is “really excited” for the club’s future under manager Jurgen Klopp.

Kuyt enjoyed six stellar seasons at Liverpool from 2006 before leaving in 2012, with the Dutchman winning only the Capital One Cup during his final campaign at the club.

But the Feyenoord forward was a fan favourite at Anfield, scoring in every round of the Champions League, including the 2007 final, during his spell, and netting a hat-trick against Manchester United in 2011.

Kuyt believes the club are set for a positive future under manager Klopp, who replaced Brendan Rodgers in October.

“It’s an exciting time,” the 35-year-old told the Liverpool Echo. “They have a new manager, and one who has done some great things at his previous clubs. Hopefully he can do the same at Liverpool.

“We have seen some pretty exciting games under him, for example the great game at Manchester City which they won. It’s always difficult for a manager to come in during the season, but there have been some really good performances.

“It was sad to see them lose the League Cup final, because I thought they deserved more, but I think the future looks good for the club.

“There is still a lot to play for this season, of course, but I am really excited for the next seasons too. I think they’re going to do really well.

On Klopp, Kuyt added: “It’s difficult for me to speak about him as a person, because I’m too far away from the situation.

“But from what I can see, the way he’s involved with the game, his emotions and the way he talks and celebrates with his players, it looks good. It looks like he is connecting the players with the manager, and that is always something that is very good to see.

“I am excited for the future. For the short term, it will be interesting to see if they can win some silverware this season, but in the long term it should also be very exciting.”