ReactionBobby Clark on first Premier League start, Forest win and Klopp backing
Bobby Clark reflected on a perfect end to his first Premier League start after Liverpool’s dramatic late victory over Nottingham Forest.
Darwin Nunez headed home a 99th-minute goal at the City Ground on Saturday – delivering a 1-0 win, maintaining the Reds’ place at the top of the table and sparking wild scenes of celebration among the travelling supporters.
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Watch on YouTubeFor Clark the day was extra-special, with the 19-year-old handed the first league start of his professional career by Jürgen Klopp.
The midfielder featured for an hour before being replaced by Wataru Endo, and afterwards he spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about his pride and emotion.
“Oh, a great way for it to end!” said Clark. “Obviously I was grateful to get my first Premier League start.
“When I came off, obviously things were out of my control. But I knew that something was coming and [to do that] late was top!”
He continued: “It’s mad but I always had the feeling we were going to do something with the top players we’ve got in the front of the pitch, and Alexis [Mac Allister] with the calmness at the end and Darwin putting it in, it was top!”
Clark had previously started Liverpool’s Emirates FA Cup fifth-round win over Southampton at Anfield last Wednesday, and was one of seven players to retain their place in Klopp’s XI for the trip to Forest.
“It was [Friday] in training when we were doing our work for the game,” he said, when asked when he had found out he was starting again.
“I was decent but I thought I could have done a lot more in what I know I can do, but it was alright.”
Liverpool’s young players have been front and centre in recent weeks, with the likes of Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell also attracting attention with their impressive showings at senior level.
Having followed up his own impact in the Carabao Cup final with outings in the FA Cup and now the league, England youth international Clark says he is enjoying the challenge of adapting to life at the top level.
“It all comes from the gaffer and all the players,” he said. “They fill you with confidence and they let you do your thing, so it comes from there.
“That’s the main thing. If you don’t have a manager like that, it’s going to be much harder. Whenever I’m coming on or starting, he just lets me do my thing and fills me with confidence.”