06 Jon Flanagan

Flanagan

Back-chat with Jon Flanagan

The full-back on his return to action, staying positive, the boss, and his bond with the Kop...

It's taken 20 months but you're back, Jon. What kept you going on the long road to recovery?

I've been mentally strong, that’s what has got me through it. I always knew I’d come out of [the injury] and get better and stronger. And knowing the fans are all there cheering you on gives you a massive lift: to know they support you and want you to do well.

What was the most difficult aspect of the whole rehab journey?

All the while you just want to be out there on the pitch. Most of the other lads would be in for training and off within three or four hours, but they were long days for me. I'd be in at 8am and here until 5pm or 6pm each day. You just have to have a positive mindset. My mum, my dad and my sister helped me a lot as did all my friends and everyone at the club. And all the lads here at Melwood kept me in line and kept me going!

training

Did you work alongside the other long-term injured players at Melwood?

I know what it’s like with those injuries – it’s hard to grasp the magnitude of it when it happens. In a way, although everyone means well, the worst thing is people always asking: ‘How are you doing? When are you back?’ and so on. Therefore I've tended to keep my distance but I've tried to pop in and see how they are doing. I’m always around if they need advice.

Jürgen

What's the boss Jürgen Klopp been like with you?

Brilliant, he’s full-throttle. He’s a genuine guy and his training is great each day. He has got a great sense of humour, as have the two guys he has brought with him [assistants Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz]. It’s great for all of us to have a laugh – but when it’s serious, it’s serious.

Jon and Jürgen

Being injured must be especially tough when a new manager comes in…

It’s not the ideal situation but all you can hope for is that when you do get the chance to impress in training, that’s what you do. I had a few chats with the manager when he came in. He knew my history and what I was like as a player. When I returned to fitness he said ‘Welcome back’ and since my return to the team he has always told me to enjoy the games. Now I'm hoping to play regularly again. I’ll play anywhere – just get me on that pitch!

The manager has commented that you have never been down, always having a smile on your face...

That’s what I mean about staying positive. Everyone told me to be positive and that way I would overcome it. I’m still young – well I’m 23 now, so maybe I’m getting on! But hopefully I can put the injuries behind me now and just crack on.


Flanagan_return

The reception you received on your return in the FA Cup replay against Exeter City was special…

Just to hear that from the crowd was incredible and it was a bit emotional to be honest. Considering all the hard work I’d put in just to get back, for the fans to give me that was a real boost. It was a brilliant reception and it really hit home how much the fans are behind me. But once you get on that pitch you just want to focus on your job, pay the supporters back with a good performance and make sure you don’t let the emotion get the better of you.