Former Liverpool player wishes he could have worked with Jurgen Klopp instead of Rafa Benitez

Ryan Babel has enjoyed a late renaissance at Besiktas since joining the Istanbul giants last January.

Babel played a role in the Black Eagles lifting their second successive league title.

The Dutch winger has also been instrumental in his sides Champions League campaign.

Besiktas are currently first in Group G and Babel became the first Eagles player to score in their first two Champions League games.

Babel was however, in a reflective mood for his latest interview with Sky Sports.

The 30-year-old revealed that he wishes he could have worked with Jurgen Klopp 10 years ago instead of Rafa Benitez.

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“Judging from the outside I think the current Liverpool manager definitely seems to work with his players and try to improve them,” Babel says.

“I think the 20-year-old me from that time, if I could have been managed under Jurgen Klopp, I’d have benefitted.”

Instead the 20-year-old Babel worked with Benitez who he has had less than favourable things to say about recently.

Babel revealed that he felt abandoned by the current Newcastle boss during his time at Anfield.

“He promised me certain things at this time to help me develop which I thought was the same as Ajax but at a different pace,” Babel told the Independent.

“But from the start I felt basically left out, by myself, no help and that was of course very difficult for a 20 year old.

“I had really to become an adult very quick and adapt. It was up and down but at the same time I had a great experience there.

“I learnt a lot. When I look back I could have done things differently but at the same time I also think I could have got more guidance from the coaches.”

Babel has six goals and three assists in all competitions for Besiktas this season.