Liverpool: The Jürgen Klopp era has begun
By Kris Whelan
Liverpool’s new manager Jürgen Klopp lay down a marker for the style of play his team will be implementing when they came up against Tottenham over the weekend
Jürgen Klopp may not have gotten off to a winning start when his Liverpool side drew 0-0 with Tottenham on Saturday, but the effect he has had on the team was evident for all to see. The German came to Liverpool with a lot of expectation on his famous shoulders, and it didn’t take him long to win over the Liverpool faithful.
His interviews so far have been perfect as far as the fans are concerned, constantly saying the right things while filling the Kop with hope. However it was when the talking was done and his players took to the field that the footballing world were shown what Klopp really brings to the table.
Some might say that a 0-0 draw with Tottenham was an average result, I however, would be quick to point out that those people aren’t looking close enough at the details surrounding the game.
Here’s why the draw away from home was a fantastic start for Klopp.
- Tottenham haven’t lost in the Premier League since the opening game of the season.
- Tottenham won their previous home game 4-1, against the favorites to win the league; Manchester City.
- It was the first clean sheet Liverpool managed since August.
- Klopp had only worked with his players for four days due to the international break.
- Liverpool were without key injured players including Benteke, Sturridge, Ings, Firmino and Gomez.
The 0-0 result away from home was one thing, but the performance that earned them that result is the key indicator that Klopp’s era has truly begun. Many questioned would the German be able to have any effect on the team in such a short span of time, but the stats proved to be a telling factor.
- Liverpool were the first team this season to out run Tottenham.
- Liverpool covered more distance than any other team in the League this weekend. (On average before this game, they were 13th)
- Liverpool made more sprints than any other team in the league this weekend. (On average before this game, they were 8th)
If Jürgen Klopp can change the mindset and style of the players in such a brief period of time, it looks very hopeful for the future at the club. It’s true that players always try harder when a new manager comes in so allowances have to be made, in saying that however, this is exactly the style of play that he had so much success with at Dortmund.
The German has set his sights on a Premier League title within four years at the club, if he’s to achieve his goal it will be the first time a manager wins the league with such tactics. Previous winners such as Ferguson, Wenger, Mourinho, Mancini, Dalglish and Ancelotti weren’t believers in the distance covered/pressing game.
These truly are exciting times at Liverpool FC, with fans already buying in to the Jürgen Klopp style of play. He came to the club with a lot of build up, but he has shown very early signs that the build up was well founded.