A partial season ended with hopes for a promising future
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The games kept coming in thick and fast since Klopp took over reins mid-season; the Reds chastened Manchester City 1-4 at the Etihad and won impressively against Southampton in the League Cup but defeats at Newcastle and Watford showcased the inconsistency that plagued their performances.
A season marred by debilitating injuries to a host of players including Jordan Henderson, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Divock Origi certainly did not help matters.
However, despite the adverse circumstances, the team fashioned late wins and pushed forward in the Europa League and the League Cup reaching the finals of both tournaments. Premier League commitments had to take a backseat, keeping in mind the progress in the cups as well as the injuries to players. After all, the prize up for grabs for the Europa winners was a place in the Champions League next season!
The fairytale ending to Klopp’s first season in-charge was not to be though. Liverpool lost the League Cup to Manchester City on penalties while Sevilla emerged victorious in the Europa final. The emotions took a toll and dampened the mood in the camp but Klopp lifted the morale of his players during the end-of-season team party saying:
“This is just the start for us. We will play in many more finals. We Are Liverpool.”
It is this belief and positive energy that has rubbed off on players and fans alike.
Liverpool reached two finals in less than a season under Klopp, while playing 63 games and with the gaffer not having a fully fit first team squad at his disposal. With a full preseason and a transfer window where he has dipped in to bring in suitable players to complement the Reds’ style, there is new hope for what the Reds can achieve.
A whole greater than the sum of its parts
When Klopp arrived at Liverpool, he inherited a squad that didn’t believe in themselves or their ability to perform. Fans called for some players to be sold and expected an overhaul either in January or the summer.
It is massive credit to Klopp that he formed judgement based on his own interactions and experiences with the players during training sessions, without relying on their past merit or the lack of it. He backed them all in public – including the much-maligned Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren – and stuck to his promise of giving all of his players a fresh start and multiple chances to impress him.
Putting the needs of the team before the individual was the standout quality he desired from his squad; those who fit that bill played, the rest were left out. It was primarily due to these factors that Liverpool managed to finish eighth in the Premier League while simultaneously contesting in two cups and finishing runners-up in those competitions.
The manager had created a team that gelled together, functioned as a cohesive unit and provided an output that was greater than the individual talent of the 11 players on the pitch.
A friend in need, a disciplinarian in need
In one of his earliest press conferences as manager of Liverpool, Klopp spoke about being friends with his players but not their best friend. He would be there for them when they needed him but that could not translate to cutting corners in training or performance.
Every Reds player has attested to Klopp’s warmth and cheerful persona; some have benefited immensely from him, some others have learnt harsh lessons.
Adam Lallana’s Liverpool career has been transformed under the German; the Englishman has gone from being one of the first names on fans’ “transfer out” wish-list to the club’s ‘Player of the month’ in September, polled by supporters.
A similar turnaround in fortune has also seen Dejan Lovren establish himself in central defence, Jordan Henderson flourish as a “number 6” in defensive midfield and even James Milner executing the role of a left fullback to near-perfection.
On the other hand, Mamadou Sakho was sent back from Liverpool’s preseason tour owing to disciplinary reasons and is currently featuring for the U-23 team while Mario Balotelli has been shipped off to French club Nice.
Reputation, stature among fans and experience – none of these mattered; commitment to the team’s cause did and Klopp did not compromise on it.
Thrilling times on the cards for Reds fans
Since Klopp took charge, no team has scored more goals in the Premier League than Liverpool (73). Indeed it is just seven games into the 2016/17 Premier League season- Klopp’s first full season in charge - but it is key to note that The Reds are joint leaders with Manchester City in terms of goals scored (18).
The Reds also top the league charts when it comes to number of sprints made (20,764) and average possession held (58.8%).
Klopp believes that attack is the best form of defence – winning back possession and exploiting space is essential to his style of play. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that Liverpool have faced the fewest shots (365) in the Premier League after Manchester City (334).
This is also why he prefers to employ the highly mobile Roberto Firmino as a false nine; the Brazilian’s guile and movement match his eye for goal while he also forms the first line of defence for the Reds.
The new season saw Liverpool embark on their journey in style as a thrilling encounter against Arsenal resulted in a 4-3 win for the Reds. With seven games played, Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table having won five of their games, lost one and drawn one.
They are only two points adrift of table toppers Manchester City, one point behind Spurs and on level terms with Arsenal.
It is early on in the season but the emphatic start has ensured that Liverpool pick up from where they left off last season – in form and on full steam.
Title challenge: still some way to go
Klopp’s persona and the goal-scoring exploits of his team along with a vocal, unified fan base are major positives but these should not mask the deficiencies currently in existence. Liverpool’s defence has been the team’s weakness as they continue to concede from set pieces.
Over Klopp’s one-year tenure, the Reds have amassed 64 points and scored the most goals but despite having faced the second fewest shots, have conceded as many as 50 goals.
The Merseysiders have also made a habit of losing to lower-placed opposition; the loss to Burnley was disappointing as was the first half performance against Swansea.
Liverpool cannot let complacency or inconsistency creep into their performances if they harbour realistic hopes for finishing in the top four come the end of the season. A title challenge is a bit far-fetched, especially given their suspect defensive organization and discipline.
Klopp will know that Liverpool will have to improve on this aspect significantly in order to fight for the Premier League trophy and consistently challenge the elite at top levels across Europe.
Conclusion
The German manager’s first year in charge has heralded the beginning of a new era at Anfield. He was rewarded with a new long-term contract by the owners in the summer, which is adequate proof that the ‘Normal One’ is hitting the right chords – be it with fans, player or owners.
While he may not be interested in cutting a cake to celebrate his first anniversary as manager, there is no reason to not wish him on the occasion. Frohes Jubiläum, Kloppo!Here is to wishing him all success with Liverpool in the years to come.
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