Klopp praises Can and hopes he will sign new Liverpool contract

Jurgen Klopp has praised Liverpool midfielder Emre Can for his ‘fantastic attitude’.

The German international scored a stunning bicycle kick in the 1-0 win over Watford on Monday and strengthened Liverpool’s chances of making the top four.

Can was hampered with a calf injury early in the season and now he is free from pain he has seen an upturn in his form.

And Klopp says his work ethic and willingness to learn will result in more good performances from the 23-year-old.

Picture caption: Getty Images

Klopp said: “[He’s a] hard-working boy, it was never any different. He’s always had a fantastic attitude, that’s really what I like most. But the plan is to make a more simple goal if possible in the next game – if we can do this, it would make sense.

“Against Crystal Palace he had a big chance, it was one of the best offensive actions we had with Milner and Coutinho passing and then he hit the ball a little bit with the heel instead of the rest of the foot so it was not a real chance, but it could have been. That’s football.

“Yes, his performances are more stable – we spoke about why, with his calf issues and hopefully [they are] finally sorted, so he can train without issues [for] weeks and months, maybe. That helps each player and helps him also. That’s the situation.”

Klopp spoke earlier in the season about his desire to keep Can at Anfield and he is confident the midfielder will sign a new deal.

“There is no secret how much I like Emre – not only him, but him also, and that’s all. He likes the club and it’s a completely normal situation that we are in talks.

“You can imagine there is absolutely no pressure, all good, two partners with big respect for each other and in the end everything will be good, but [for now] nothing else to say.

“Good players, that we can keep good players, I think that makes real sense for development and he is one of these good players. I am quite positive.”