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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Warren Muggleton

Jurgen Klopp sends emotional letter to 11-year-old Liverpool fan on anxiety

Jurgen Klopp sent an emotional letter to an 11-year-old Liverpool fan who wrote to the boss last month explaining his anxiety ahead of starting secondary school.

Lewis Balfe, 11, was feeling nervous about making the next step from primary school in September.

And it saw a family friend suggest that the young Liverpool fan should write to his favourite club for advice, choosing to pen a letter to the Reds boss himself.

And the German took the time to send Lewis some advice on how to cope with anxiety.

Klopp wrote: “Hello Lewis,

“Can I start by telling you a secret? I get nervous. To be totally honest, I would be worried if I did not get nervous because when it happens it gives me the chance to turn that energy into something positive.

Jurgen Klopp sent an emotional letter to an 11-year-old Liverpool fan who was feeling nervous about starting a new school (SKY SPORTS)

“I know it might be strange for a boy of your age to think that the Liverpool manager can feel the way you do but I do.

“From your letter it is clear that you are a very thoughtful and also very caring and when you have these qualities it is very hard to avoid getting nervous.

“You asked me what I do when my players feel this way and the answer is simply – I remind them of how important they are to me and how much I believe in them and I have no doubt that it will be exactly the same for your family and you.

“You do not need to worry about bad things happening.

Lewis Balfe, 11, was feeling nervous ahead of starting secondary school last month (MILENA BALFE)

“As you know, I lost more than a few finals and this isn’t a good feeling but with the help of my family and friends I kept going and in the end we were able to enjoy some really good times.

“If I had dwelled on the bad moments I know that this would not have been possible so please be positive about yourself and look forward to the brilliant time that I know you will have growing up.

“And don’t forget that you are part of the Liverpool family and this means that you have millions and millions of people just like you who want you to be as happy as you can be.

“Your support means a lot to me and everyone at LFC so I hope that this letter shows that we support you too.”

And Klopp replied to the youngster, saying that he also 'gets nervous' (MILENA BALFE)

Lewis' mum, Milena, told the Liverpool Echo : "Lewis was quite overwhelmed, and in complete shock, it was a personal letter back from Klopp.

"It's lovely of him, really nice. We went straight to the shop to get a frame as Lewis was worried about it getting damaged and it's now on is desk in his bedroom."

Lewis has since had a tour of Anfield in a weekend where the 11-year-old also visited the academy complex in Kirkby.

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