FeatureFive takeaways from Andy Robertson’s ‘We are Liverpool’ podcast

The rampaging Reds left-back spoke with typical openness and honesty on a wide range of topics. Read on for our five key takeaways from the episode.

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How he arranged Calvin Harris’ trophy-parade DJ set

A lifelong Red, Harris described performing for his Liverpool heroes at last May’s trophy parade as the biggest gig of his life.

It was Robertson who arranged for the world-famous DJ to play, having first broached the idea to his fellow Scot two years previously.

“We had it sorted for when we won the Premier League [in 2019-20],” the defender told Robbie and Peter. “I’d touched base with him – not tempting fate or anything – but I think we were maybe 15 or 18 points clear in February and I thought, ‘Right, let’s see if he’s available.’”

The Reds soared to a 19th English league title but COVID-19 restrictions meant there was to be no parade. Robertson re-ignited the plans, however, after Liverpool’s 2022 Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup triumph.

“I thought, ‘Let’s see if he wants to do it again.’” said Robertson. “Luckily, Calvin was buzzing to do it. It’s probably one of the best sets he’s ever done, on a bus with players he loves watching and the fans and everything like that. It was different for him, he’s used to playing in stadiums, in Ibiza... It was fantastic. It’s something we’ll always remember.”

Robertson also revealed how one of his Liverpool teammates is fast establishing something of a bromance with the Grammy award-winning DJ.

“Now Virg is trying to steal him off me, I think big Virg is trying to best-mate him! We’ll let those two crack on, they’re a similar height!”

How his upbringing has shaped him as a person

Robertson also opens up on his childhood in Glasgow, outlining how the values instilled by his mother and father have guided him in life.

“We never had lots and lots of money, but we had a roof over our heads, we had food on our table and sometimes you have to realise how lucky you are,” he said.

“People take that for granted. My mum and dad gave me and my brother a fantastic life.

“They always gave to charities, and my aunties and uncles were involved, too. All of us have been brought up with that: you can always help others.”

Robertson established his own charity in Scotland in 2020 and his incredible philanthropic efforts were recognised when he was awarded an MBE in the recent New Year’s Honours list.

The father-of-two is now intent on passing on those morals to his children, and he described how he aims to ensure his son and daughter remain grounded.

“Me and my missus are very conscious of that… We know that they’re in a better position than, say, we were [as kids], in terms of their parents have money and can set them up for life. But they also have to make their own way and have that work ethic. My kids are too young just now, but you can still slowly but surely get them into it.

“They get treats if they behave well all week. That’s what we always got; if we behaved well during the week, my mum would always buy us maybe a takeaway on a Saturday night or get us a pack of sweets. That’s what we’re trying to bring in with the kids.”

His role in Liverpool’s leadership group

Robertson is part of a six-player first-team leadership group, alongside Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Trent-Alexander Arnold.

The Scotland skipper, who was added to the contingent following a squad vote in 2021, explained how each member brings specific qualities to the table.

“We all have different ways of leading,” Robertson says. “Hendo can carry the team, he can look after everyone pretty much, that’s always been the way. Millie can demand standards, he can give you a rocket if you need a rocket, in a nice way. Virgil is always commanding at the back and can talk.

“I can help the lads out. I try to help the younger players but also demand standards as well.

“Trent is obviously still young, but he is also a leader in every way. Every young lad that comes up to train with us looks at Trent and thinks, ‘I want to follow his career path.’”

Jürgen Klopp’s inspiring influence on his career

Robertson, of course, has been an instrumental part of Liverpool’s success since joining the club from Hull City in summer 2017.

A fearless, indefatigable full-back who combines diligent defending with the ability to make game-changing contributions in the final third, he has made more assists (54) than any other defender in Premier League history.

Robertson insists, however, he is a significantly more complete player than when he first arrived on Merseyside – and says one factor above all others has been key to his development.

“The manager has been unbelievable,” he explains. “He has made us all better players, him and his staff.

“Sometimes, when I watch older games – ones from four or five years ago – and look at how I played and how I’m playing now, that’s when you see how much you’ve progressed. That’s down to the coaching, the training we’ve had, and being given the opportunities in the big games. He [Klopp] has been special for this club and he has been special for all of us as well.”

His verdict on his teammates' attire at his wedding last summer

Andy and partner Rachel tied the knot in Portugal in July 2022, with several of Robertson’s Liverpool teammates attending the ceremony.

A photo of the Reds together was posted on social media and, while podcast co-host Fowler questioned Milner’s choice of suit, it was a certain young right-back who the Scot felt could’ve been slightly more dapper on the big day…

“I didn’t think Millie was the worst dressed out of them,” he said. "Hendo looked a million dollars.

“I thought Trent’s trousers were too baggy, there was too much gathering at the bottom. He was a disgrace! He flew from America the night before, so he got into Portugal at 12 o’clock at night and he was jet-lagged the whole day. He was an absolute disgrace, he looked tired all day. It was his first-ever wedding, so maybe he’ll learn from that!

“But I thought Millie looked well, to be fair to him!"

• Enjoy more from Robertson by watching episode three of 'We are Liverpool'. Those with a free MyLFC registration can enjoy 24-hour early access
• For more information on how to watch or listen, visit liverpoolfc.com/info/podcasts