Defender Left “Scared” by test message from Klopp

Liverpool youngster Rhys Williams has revealed he was “scared” at receiving a text message from manager Jurgen Klopp asking to see him.

Williams has made 13 appearances this season as the Reds’ senior defence has been ravaged by injury.

The 20-year-old explained he was once asked for a quick chat by Klopp – but it was only to give him some advice.

He explained to Umm per The Mirror: “I’d probably say the captain or maybe Virg [Virgil van Dijk are the most active in the WhatsApp group chat].

“Obviously [Van Dijk] has not been playing with his injury, so before every game he is wishing all the boys good luck and stuff like that.

“And the skipper [Jordan Henderson] is the one who is always replying first.

“There was one recently [from Klopp] – ‘can you come and see me please.’ I was scared!

“But it was just to discuss some stuff that I could do better in games, so it was nothing to be worried about. But I was nervous.”

Williams’ top-flight debut came back in December’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, a game in which Joel Matip was meant to partner Fabinho.

Recalling the events, he continued: “I was nervous because I wasn’t starting at first, I was on the bench. And then Joel Matip was meant to play.

“He had a problem with his back, so the boss and the first-team coach come to me and said ‘be ready because you are starting, Joel has failed his fitness test.’