Kevin Keen is relishing his role as Liverpool first-team coach, and explained why he felt a tinge of nerves when coming face-to-face with Kenny Dalglish for the very first time.
The Reds boss' illustrious reputation in world football left the former West Ham United man - who has been working at Anfield for four months now - feeling a little apprehensive, but Keen reveals how he was pleasantly surprised after their initial Melwood meeting.
"It's been brilliant working with Kenny," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "You come in with this idea of Kenny being this hero.
"I grew up in the '70s when Liverpool really, really took on the world and were the best club side in world football. Kenny was the star of that team.
"So you come in with these ideas of him being a superstar, but in fact he's just a gentleman. A really, really good man who desperately wants Liverpool to do well."
Keen says that the fact he, Dalglish, and fellow first-team coach Steve Clarke all share the same philosophies about how football should be played, has made for a harmonious atmosphere around the training ground.
"This is my 10th year coaching, and my philosophy has always been that training has got to be fun and enjoyable," he continued. "I always enjoyed certain types of training more than others, and I think the fun element is a massive part of training every day, week in week out.
"Even though the game has become more professional, everything is on the telly and everything has got to be spot on, I still think the fun and enjoyment element has got to be there. I think Kenny is very important in that role.
"He is a fantastic leader of Liverpool Football Club, a really good manager. All of those little aspects in terms of man-management, making sure you have a little bit of fun when the time is right, Kenny is fantastic at that."
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