Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool players bring festive joy with visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital ahead of Watford clash

Liverpool are latest Premier League club to visit children’s ward this week
Jurgen Klopp and his players made a visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Captain Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Clyne among players to attend
The Liverpool stars came bearing gifts and also posed for photographs

Matt Maltby For Mailonline

Published:
19:42 GMT, 17 December 2015

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Updated:
11:27 GMT, 18 December 2015

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He was recently praised by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for lifting everyone at the club and the German appeared to have had the same impact on his visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The German coach and his players were the latest Premier League to spread Christmas cheer at their local hospital on Thursday, with a number of first-team players joining their manager.

Injured striker Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and captain Jordan Henderson were among the players present at the visit, which came days after rivals Everton made an appearance.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (second right) and his players made a visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

The Liverpool players spread Christmas cheer during their visit to the children’s hospital on Thursday

The German poses for a photograph with a young patient after presenting her with club mascot Mighty Red

And the manager appeared in high spirits along with his stars as they posed for various pictures with the children while also handing out festive gifts.

Klopp and his players distributed presents, including signed copies of the Liverpool mascot Mighty Red, as well as meeting the young patients and their parents.

The Liverpool players were dressed for the occasion too, with Henderson and Co donning Christmas hats throughout the duration of their visit.

Klopp has had a positive impact on Liverpool since replacing Brendan Rodgers in October and he was recently praised by former captain Gerrard.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson (left) and defender Dejan Lovren (right) were among those to attend

The players appeared to be in high spirits as they came bearing gifts including large sweet lollipops

Right back Nathaniel Clyne (left) joins his Liverpool team-mates for a photograph alongside a young patient

The former England star, who is back training at Melwood during the MLS off-season, told the Evening Standard: ‘I had coffee with him and when I came out of the room I just felt happy.

‘I felt taller. And I am not one of the players so I can only imagine what he has done to those players in the dressing room.

‘The atmosphere at the club is brilliant. The players are buzzing around the training ground and there are smiles all over the place. I think he has lifted the whole place.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager poses for a photograph with an Alder Hey Children’s Hospital patient

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is the odd one out after deciding not to wear his Christmas hat in this snap

Despite missing action through injury, Daniel Sturridge (left) also attended visit to the children’s hospital

‘He wants to be around players who are enjoying it. He does not want players to be tense, worried or concerned. He wants to take all that pressure on his shoulders.

‘I love the way he handles players individually, I love the way he handles his team and I am all over his tactics.

‘I am watching him on the outside but I also get to work with him so it is a brilliant experience for me – as a Liverpool supporter, an ex-player, a pundit and also for my future as well. I am loving it.’