Randall on new deal, Klopp and training with Stevie
Connor Randall allowed himself a moment of satisfaction after signing a new Liverpool contract today but then quickly restored focus to building on his achievements so far.
The Academy graduate, who has been with the Reds since the age of six, penned an extension to his deal at Melwood – an extra reward for development that earned a senior debut in October.
Randall was also in the starting line-up as Jürgen Klopp’s team thrashed Southampton 6-1 on the road last Wednesday to book a place in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup.
The defender is not getting carried away by a whirlwind six weeks, though, and simply intends to continue putting into practice the wisdom given to him by the manager.
“I work hard in training and I’m just doing my best to improve and learn from him,” he told Liverpoolfc.com upon inking his contract.
“He’s a great manager to learn from. I’m really enjoying it at the moment, listening to all of the advice he gives me and taking it on board and bringing it all to my game.
“Football can change very quickly and luckily for me it has in the last couple of weeks. I’ve had a great opportunity and I’m really enjoying it. I’ll keep working hard and improving, and hopefully it lasts.
“To train with these players day in, day out – they’re top players and that’s the level I aspire to get to. I pick tips up from them, talk and get information, and they give you advice.
“You can just watch and see what they do to learn from them. It’s the best place to be learning your trade, it’s fantastic.”
In recent weeks, Melwood training sessions have included an additional presence to study and learn from in the form of Steven Gerrard.
The club icon and former captain is maintaining fitness alongside Klopp’s charges before returning to Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy for their new season next year.
Randall added: “He was my idol as a kid growing up, like most people in Liverpool and Liverpool fans.
“To be training alongside him – talking to you and knowing who you are – is special. It’s great to be training with him, talking to him and getting advice from him. He’s a legend of the club.”