Jarell Quansah has praised former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp for a personal moment ahead of his Reds debut.
Quansah left Anfield this summer, joining the Bayer Leverkusen just days after helping England’s Under-21s retain the European Championship. The 22-year-old departed Liverpool as a Premier League and League Cup winner, but also as a player who felt the need to seek regular first-team football.
Speaking to Bild, Quansah explained his decision to leave and called it “emotional”.
“It’s tough to leave this club where you’ve built so many relationships and friendships. It was very emotional.
For a long time, I didn’t know what would happen this summer. I only knew one thing: I absolutely had to play regularly to improve.
It’s a bit crazy, and somehow it all happened so quickly. I haven’t even had a chance to say a proper goodbye yet.”
Quansah made 25 appearances in all competitions under Arne Slot last season, but only twice was he selected to start in his natural position at centre-back in the Premier League. While he played a part in Liverpool’s league triumph, he felt opportunities were too limited at a crucial stage of his development.
Having risen through the club’s academy ranks, the 22-year-old made his senior debut during the 2023–24 campaign under Klopp, appearing 34 times in that breakthrough season.
Recalling the moment former manager Jurgen Klopp told him to prepare for his first appearance, Quansah sees it as one that changed everything.
“I remember him coming up to me just before I came on and saying: ‘You’re ready!’
Hearing that from this legend in that moment was very comforting and gave me a lot of confidence. I was very happy he gave me that chance. We were 1-0 down and still won 2-1. Making my debut there was challenging. You could also lean on him sometimes.”
The England U21 international left Liverpool this summer having made 58 appearances for Liverpool, scoring three goals.
The record-breaking move to Leverkusen includes a buy-back clause, keeping the door open for a future return to Anfield, with Slot and fans sure to keep a close eye on his progress.
