Jurgen Klopp joked that his Liverpool players celebrated Joel Matip’s Player of the Month award as wildly as they did winning the Carabao Cup.
The Cameroonian defender was awarded the Premier League accolade in February for his outstanding form, becoming the first player from his country to win it.
Matip played every minute as Liverpool reignited the title race with four wins to close the gap with leader Manchester City.
A successful month for Klopp’s men was rounded off with their penalty kick win over Chelsea to claim the Carabao Cup, as well as progress in the FA Cup and Champions League.
And the German revealed the funny scenes that took place when the news of Matip’s honor got out.
‘That was amazing. We had a meeting before training and Thiago Alcantara had a picture in the players’ [WhatsApp] group, where he [Matip] had the trophy in his hand, so I asked, “Is it true that Joel won?” said Klopp.
“It was similar to the celebrations after the Carabao Cup, to be honest! It was very cool.
“Joel is a very well-known figure in the group, in the team, and obviously he doesn’t get a lot of headlines.
“I don’t really like individual player awards, but if there was anyone who should have won it, it made sense that it was Joel.
‘Who’s voting for it? Was it his mother? The Premier League? A panel? I think I’ve criticized the Premier League quite often, but I have to say now; you made worse decisions!
“Believe me, if there’s one person on this planet who doesn’t care if we all underestimate him, it’s Joel Matip! Honestly. He probably doesn’t even realize it.
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“He’s just happy to be here with these guys. He’s a very smart person, but not in that sort of thing. He never thinks, ‘My God, I should be in a different status’ or anything. Not at all.
“That’s why everyone was so happy he got it.”
Liverpool continue their title fight with a visit to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
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