Jurgen Klopp has established a reputation as one of the most promising managers in Europe, with the 47-year-old being the brains behind Borussia Dortmund’s rise to prominence. His innovative philosophies and formations created a new brand of football that has caught on across numerous countries, with consecutive Bundesliga titles and reaching the Champions League Final in 2013 being the pinnacle of his work at the Signal Iduna Park.
Liverpool are the lucky benefactors of Klopp’s decision to walk away from Dortmund, with the German replacing Brendan Rodgers who failed to replicate the same success they enjoyed during the 2013/2014 season and became stuck in his ways. His arrival was greeted with delight from Liverpool fans who believe Klopp has the vision and technical brain to bring the good times back to Anfield, but while his first ten games in charge brought instant improvement to results and performances, subsequent fixtures have seen the honeymoon period end with something of a stutter. They still represent good value with Coral to finish in the top four, such is the unpredictable nature of the Premier League this season, but while the quality is there to secure Champions League football, there is certainly room for improvement under Klopp.
The arrival of a new manager, particularly one with Klopp’s reputation and calibre, invariably leads to an improvement in fortunes on the pitch, with the German’s arrival coming at a time when Liverpool were in need of fresh ideas and a new direction. His move with England has coincided with a significant growth in the number of teams who now play with the system that he enjoyed considerable success with at Borussia Dortmund, with the high pressing, counter-attacking style being taken up by managers who appreciate its tactical effectiveness. This, combined with the ‘gegenpress’ that is predominately based upon countering the counter and keeping the pressure firmly on the opposition, is the hallmark of Klopp’s success as a manager, and although it would be asking too much to expect instant rewards, certain performances have seen Liverpool utilise these qualities. Superb victories at Chelsea and Manchester City were noticeable for the way in which Liverpool pressed high up the pitch and prevented teams that were considered too strong for them to gain any sort of control on the game. The same qualities were also evident during the game against Arsenal, with their ability to win the ball back quickly taking their opponents by complete surprise as Liverpool were well on top in the first twenty minutes.
It will take time for Liverpool’s players to adapt to Klopp’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system as the high intensity levels and style of play is a significant overhaul to what they became used to under Rodgers, but there have been encouraging signs that the team are buying into their new manager’s way of playing. Liverpool have already been busy in the January transfer window by bringing in Marko Grujic and Steven Caulker on loan from QPR, and with the likes of Joel Matip and Mario Gotze linked as potential targets, it’s worth a bet they’ll make the top 4 still with Coral. The opportunity to bring in high quality players could be one that Klopp looks to take full advantage of, especially with the Capital One Cup within touching distance after a 1-0 win at Stoke in the first leg of their semi-final; having more players that fit into Klopp’s philosophy and bring greater strength in areas that Liverpool need to improve in could make the difference between ending their barren run without silverware or falling short yet again.
High-profile signings would undoubtedly make fans more willing to back their team to reach the top four on any football bet site, but it may take more than new arrivals to overcome the problems that Klopp has encountered. His 4-2-3-1 formation ultimately relies on the role of both full-backs getting forward and creating overlapping runs for the wingers to have more options; while Liverpool have Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno who certainly fit the role for the former, the lack of natural wingers at the club has left the team short of width. The club’s transfer committee should be held responsible for the number of players that have arrived at Anfield as typical number 10’s, with Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino all finding it difficult to be as effective when played out wide. It, therefore, has left Klopp trying to accommodate with what he has and put square pegs in round holes which, when combined with Christian Benteke struggling for form and being without Daniel Sturridge due to persistent injury problems, ultimately leaves Liverpool lacking guile and dynamism, especially in games when they are expected to be the team on the front foot.
Klopp has cut a frustrating figure on the sidelines at the number of individual errors that continue to be made in defence – a problem that has existed even before Rodgers became manager. Olivier Giroud’s first goal from Aaron Ramsey’s corner epitomises the problems that Liverpool have yet to rectify; Mamadou Sakho failed to take control of the situation and deal with the dangerous in-swinging delivery, while Simon Mignolet, who has come under scrutiny for a number of costly errors, could arguably have done more to keep it out. Another uncertain performance from the goalkeeper has done nothing to convince fans and critics that Liverpool have made significant improvements in the art of defending, but while Klopp cannot be expected to bring a radical transformation in such a short space of time, it could prove costly in their bid to reach the top four and enjoy success in both domestic cup competitions.
There have certainly been signs of encouragement from Klopp’s first three months in charge that Liverpool have what it takes to make a real push for a top four finish in the Premier League, but while they continue to be taken seriously on every football bet site, their odds could fall by the wayside if the charismatic German is unable to bring more consistency and solve their defensive woes.
