Oxlade-Chamberlain: Your support keeps me going
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has thanked Liverpool fans for their understanding and support during his ongoing injury lay-off.
The Reds midfielder is expected to miss the vast majority of the current season due to the multiple ligament damage he sustained in the Champions League semi-final first leg against AS Roma in April.
Oxlade-Chamberlain opened up on the injury, his rehabilitation and its demands, and more in BetVictor’s latest This is Melwood video, launched on Friday evening.
Read some of the best bits from the frank and emotional chat below, including the No.21’s appreciation for the fans and how a friendship with Rhian Brewster blossomed in recovery…
On the support of Jürgen Klopp…
He has been massive for me. Whenever I see him he has always got a smile on his face and is really positive. He keeps me in his thoughts; when he talks about the team he’ll mention me, which is obviously really nice, especially when the boys are doing so well. The important thing is he has given me time and said: ‘We know how long this is going to be, don’t worry about it, it’s not a problem – get yourself right and then we’ll go again.’ It’s really nice to hear.
On his relationship with Brewster…
Rhian has been brilliant. He is a great lad; I don’t really have to tell him too much, a lot of the time he is checking in on me, to be honest! He is always so positive, he has got that youthful enthusiasm about him, which is again really good to have around – it keeps me going. I’m glad to see him pushing on, he is going to be getting closer. That’s really good and I look forward to seeing what he can do on the pitch now.
On the backing of Liverpool fans…
You can’t ask for anything more, that’s what keeps you going, when you’ve got the support of the fans behind you. Whether it’s them giving you the time, respecting the injury, to do what you need to do to come back. That helps massively, for one. And when they remind you that you’re missed and they can’t wait to see you back out there, little things like that keep you going. I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the fans – I can’t thank them enough for that. It’s what keeps me going every day, to come back and try to reward their patience and support by hopefully getting back onto the pitch and performing to the level I was before and even better.
On his targets...
I’d love to be able to make an appearance at least before the end of the season, depending on what we’re doing and if I’m really needed. I’m sure I’m not going to be; even when I’m back I won’t be fully up to scratch. It would be nice to get a few appearances before the end of the season, probably more mentally to prove I can do it. Then have a good pre-season and start fresh next season. But I know if I manage to get back on the pitch I won’t be thinking, ‘It’s just nice to be out here.’ I’ll want to do well, score and try to help the boys win. If I’m needed for any emergencies, I’m going to have to pull out some good performances!