Jurgen Klopp Goes Full Rocky Balboa in Praise of Adrian After Super Cup Win

Adrian was thrust into the spotlight after an injury to Alisson, and the backup goalkeeper came through in the UEFA Super Cup.

Jurgen Klopp showered backup goalkeeper Adrian with praise after the recently joined Spaniard was the hero for Liverpool in their UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout victory over Chelsea on Wednesday.

A thrilling game in Istanbul pitted the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions, and with an enthralling 2-2 draw unable to be settled in extra time, penalties awaited both sides in the searing Turkish heat.

Nine perfect penalties were taken until Adrian, only starting the match in place of the injured Alisson Becker, saved Tammy Abraham's crucial penalty to hand his new club their first piece of silverware this season. Following the 32-year-old's heroics, Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on his new 'keeper, with an ode to Rocky Balboa naturally the best course of action.

“What a story. ADRIAN! Like Rocky,” Klopp said on BT Sport, via the Mirror.

"ADRIAN!!!!!!!!"

Of course Jurgen Klopp has gone full Rocky Balboa on us 😂

🎤 @DesKellyBTS pic.twitter.com/BZzG4hNXxo

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 14, 2019

“He kept his nerves. He is really loud in the dressing room already. It’s so good for him. I don’t think he’s won a lot in his life, so I’m really happy for him. 

"It’s an amazing story - I don’t know where Adrian was two weeks ago when we played Man City (and had a penalty shootout!)."

After leaving West Ham following the the end of his contract this summer, Adrian was brought in by Klopp to fill the void left by previous backup stopper Simon Mignolet. However, having been at the club for just over a week, the Reds' boss insisted his impact has been immediate.

“He is a great character, not just on the pitch, but off it. He was maybe louder than I was at half time, he is obviously quick in mind and helped us a lot and can be really proud," he added. 

"When he came it was clear he needed time to get fit, I don’t know when he played his last game, but he was ready, and it is remarkable he was ready like that.”