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'I was frustrated at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp - but I'm happy with my part in club's revival'

Nathaniel Clyne spent four seasons at Liverpool but lost his place in the first team under Jurgen Klopp, and is now set for a move to the United States after leaving Crystal Palace

Nathaniel Clyne of Liverpool is congratulated after his goal during the Capital One Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on October 28, 2015 in Liverpool, England.
Nathaniel Clyne was at Liverpool before Jurgen Klopp's arrival, but soon lost his place under the German

Nathaniel Clyne has admitted he wishes he'd remained at Liverpool for longer but takes pride in his role helping to launch a fresh chapter under Jurgen Klopp.

Two of the defender's previous sides will meet on Sunday when the Reds travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace. Clyne spent four campaigns with Liverpool, arriving shortly before Klopp's appointment in 2015.

The right-back featured 102 times, registering seven goal contributions and securing the UEFA Super Cup. However, Clyne was sent out on loan to Bournemouth following a loss of favor and welcomed the switch in pursuit of greater playing time.

Discussing the anguish of being sidelined by Klopp in 2019, he said: "I am happy to perform and play 90 minutes. I am looking forward to the rest of the season. I have gone a whole season-and-a-half without really playing consistent football, which is unusual to me because I am used to playing a lot.

"This opportunity has arisen and hopefully I can play as many games as I can and stay injury-free. It is very frustrating. Knowing you are fit and you can go out there and play, but constantly not getting selected for the team is a bit disappointing.

"This is why I am here. I would rather just go out and find another club which would give me the opportunities to play games. I am just looking to play and go step by step."

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (R) celebrates with Liverpool's English defender Nathaniel Clyne and Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on September 16, 2016. Liverpool won the match 2-1.
Clyne pointed out Klopp's specific influence on his career

Despite departing Anfield before Klopp's most glittering achievements, Clyne still draws comfort from having played his part in the club's resurgence, reports the Liverpool Echo.

He told The Guardian last year: "Yeah, I missed out on that [Premier League title win]. It just makes you more hungry, though. To see the team having success just pushed me to get better, and get back as quickly as I could. All credit to Liverpool for what they achieved, and I'm just glad that I was a part of it."

When quizzed on what he gained from his time working under Klopp, Clyne remarked: "Just to keep fighting. You can see he's hungry for the players to play at 100 percent.

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"That's what he demands from his players: just to give it all on the pitch. That's what I've learned from him: to play with 100 percent and to play with confidence as well."

He rejoined his boyhood club Palace in 2020 and throughout his second spell, the Eagles secured the Conference League, FA Cup and Community Shield. He left in the summer having made 252 appearances for the club.

Now, the 35-year-old veteran is poised to sign for United States League outfit Sporting Club Jacksonville as he prolongs his career in Florida.

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