Ozan Kabak desperate for Liverpool stay – but Jurgen Klopp talks yet to begin

Ozan Kabak wants to stay at Liverpool beyond this summer.

The Turkish defender's loan spell will end after this weekend's clash with Crystal Palace. But the Reds have an option to buy him from Schalke for £18m.

Kabak, 21, arrived at Anfield in January as the Merseysiders were forced to bring in defensive reinforcements to solve an injury crisis.

The on-loan centre back has had a couple of injury issues himself but been solid when he has played in a red shirt. He now faces a wait to see if he will be kept on.

Kabak said: “Of course. It’s Liverpool. Of course I want to stay. Jurgen has not said anything yet. We don’t speak about this topic so far. We will see.

"This is a huge club, I am very proud to wear this jersey so far.

“Every moment, every single minute, I am proud. I try to give my best so far. I did my job.

“We will see what is going to happen next season, but whatever it is I have really enjoyed it and appreciate what everyone has done for me.”

Kabak has made 13 appearances for the Reds and believes he has shown Kop boss Jurgen Klopp what he can do.

He said: I think yes. Of course I am a young player, I could do some things better, but I have a long way to go in my career and I can be a better player.

“With the better players I train hard and with the guys who are here like Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez.

“They are very good centre-backs and if I train with them and a manager like Jurgen Klopp I can be better. So far I tried to give my best. I am pleased with my performances so far.”

Whatever happens, Kabak reckons he has benefitted from his time at the club.

He said: “These five months have been very valuable for my career, my personality, I have met with very good people, very good footballers, I have worked with a manager like Jurgen.

“Now I have a lot of experience with these stars. I would say they are stars. There are a lot of stars on our team. Even to train with them makes you better.

“You progress with your game I think even in training. Yes, these five months have been very good for me I think regardless of whether I stay or not.”

And one of the stars he has learned from is Virgil van Dijk, even though the Dutchman has been in rehabilitation for his ACL injury.
“Of course, he has helped me a lot,” added Kabak.

“As you know, he is doing his rehab. I hope he is going to be able to be a big part of the team next year.

“But he is so good with me, he always spoke with me and gave me advice about the game, about how to play for Liverpool.

“He is a fantastic guy. I’m very happy and I am very glad to have met him. He has always been my idol.”

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