Ings opens up on Liverpool injury hell and Klopp relationship

The former Burnley man said of Liverpool's manager: "I learned a lot under Jurgen Klopp, even when I wasn't playing I was training with the lads every day and my game was still developing. I understood every decision he made and as a player you have got to respect that.

"After the situations I was in, it was a hell of a mountain to climb to try and get into the frame. Last season was my comeback season, I made 14 appearances, most of them off the bench, but for me it was a positive year after the two seasons before that. Jurgen, all of the lads and the staff were all fantastic. It's a wonderful football club and there are people there I will miss a lot."

Ings ruptured his ACL in his first session under Klopp in 2015 and on his return 12 months later suffered another severe injury, speaking about this he said: 

"The first time I got injured was a lot harder, I'd just made my England debut and felt like that was the start for me to establish myself at Liverpool,"

"For that to happen so quickly after my debut was devastating. The second time round, after that break down, I thought I had to get back in the gym and refocus and make sure I come back as good as I can be and in the best shape.

"It was more the time I spent away from football that was difficult - watching the lads on TV, being at home and not being able to sort of contribute or be a part of it. It was very difficult but I've overcome it quite well and I'm in the best shape I can possibly be in right now."

Klopp said of Ings, in a heart warming message: "if you could bottle character and spirit, his would sell worldwide". Something the striker really admired. 

"I'm extremely grateful that Jurgen came out and said that," reflected Ings. "I always try and be positive, even if I'm not starting games or in the frame. As part of a team, it's important you don't show that side.

"You can be hurting so much inside but if that shows externally then that can have an effect on that team. That's the last thing you want because no matter what team you're part of and how much you're playing you want that team to be successful."

April 1, 2017