Press conference

Willock - Freddie has been a mentor to me

This time last year you'd have got long odds on Joe Willock and Freddie Ljungberg sharing a press conference stage ahead of a European tie, but their appearance in Liege shows how quickly life has changed for both of them.

Ljungberg, of course, has a glittering playing career behind him, but his elevation to the first-team coaching staff in the summer and his subsequent appointment as our interim head coach meant that he faced the media on Wednesday evening.

 

Willock is one of a clutch of talented youngsters that Ljungberg has helped to nurture in recent years, culminating in the 20-year-old's rise into the first-team squad. The Swede's enduring presence makes Willock feel right at home.

 

"Freddie is good at relating to the players because he's done it, he's worn the shirt and he knows how it feels to be in our position," he said.

 

"I worked with Freddie last year with the under-23s and he taught me a lot. Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. He's like a mentor for me.

 

"So I'm delighted that he's in the job now. It's good for me and I'll just continue working hard and working with him and learning from him."

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