Search icon

Football

21st Aug 2016

Christian Benteke blames lack of ‘trust’ from Jurgen Klopp after he quits Liverpool

"I needed some trust from the manager and the staff,” he said

Rob Burnett

Christian Benteke says a lack of “trust” from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp led to him quitting the club.

The Belgian striker signed for Crystal Palace in a £27million deal this week after an unhappy year at Anfield.

He joined the Reds in a £32.5million deal from Aston Villa last summer, but Brendan Rodgers who signed him was sacked in October with the club faltering in the Premier League.

Rodgers’ replacement Klopp was not a fan of the ex-Villa man, and he found his first team action severely limited.

But now he has joined Palace and explained why he could not make a success of his time at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Christian Benteke of Liverpool reacts after a missed chance during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and A.F.C. Bournemouth at Anfield on August 17, 2015 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“A lot of things happened at Liverpool,” he said. “When I arrived it was with Brendan Rodgers as manager, but then he was sacked and Jurgen [Klopp] came in and had his own plan, but that’s part of football.

“I could have done better but I think I also needed some trust from the manager and the staff.”

Benteke went on to explain why he decided to join the Eagles.

“I’ve met the manager a few times before I signed and that’s why I wanted to come here,” he told the club’s official website. “I was really happy to hear about his project and that is why I am excited to come here.

“I did my own research too and there are some great wingers here and because of that I think I can be a success here.”

Listen to big interview with Eamon McGee in the latest GAA Hour. Subscribe here on iTunes

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10