Jurgen Klopp- A man labelled by many as the perfect choice for Liverpool Football club. Someone, who defines so seamlessly what the club stands for. His values and aspirations seem perfectly aligned with the club’s philosophy on how to take Liverpool forward as a club.
Without a doubt, he has rejuvenated all around him at the club. He has bought passion in loads, instilled determination and intelligence among his squad of players and not to forget his ‘crazy’ celebrations which get the fans to support him, on the most part, unconditionally.
The Merseysiders have this season looked genuine title contenders right up until the last nightmare fortnight, in which they crashed out of both domestic cups along with dropping points back to back in the league. This had led Klopp himself to admit that they could not fall any lower.
Despite that, the former Dortmund boss’ ideas seem to been working. Their excellent performances against teams in the top six is a testimony towards that fact. They have beaten the likes of City, Arsenal and drew against United most recently.
However, this past week it seems any title aspirations have disintegrated as quickly as one of his famed ‘Gegenpresses’. They have began to second guess themselves are are thusly not able to put away teams they are normally expected to.
Last nights 1-1 draw with table toppers Chelsea at least went along way to fixing the rot. Whilst much of the media have been quick to weigh into the German’s style of football simply being to much for any elite athletes legs to handle over a sustained amount of time, the Reds at least showed an ability to compete against the league top side’s yet again.
Most of the clubs woes have been down to defensive errors – which has been a worry throughout the season with many experts questioning, even during their most in-form moments, whether they will be able to sustain a title challenge with the current crop of defenders.
Another thing that has no doubt rocked any possible League challenge has been Sadio Mane’s absence. The Senegal striker has been away for international duty representing his nation at the African cup of nations – during this time the Anfield side lacked a much needed killer touch to their pressing game, especially with chances at a premium as so called ‘lower’ teams deciding to sit further and further back.
In such periods where momentum has been halted, the great Premier League side’s have been held up by their second choices coming into the side to hoist up there ailing teammates.
Fact is, the likes of Daniel Sturridge have done little to add value during times the team has played poorly.
Added to that, the outstanding Roberto Firmino has struggled without the support of his missing Senegalese wingman, not to mention the genius that is Coutinho.
Whilst his off the ball running has continued to be faultless, the Brazilians touch has suffered. The fact that Henderson and Emre Can have offered little creatively behind him may just convince the Liverpool transfer committee to sink their hands into their considerably deep pockets in the summer.
With all that they’ll no doubt be plenty of detractors following such a sharp fall from grace, that is after all seemingly a side effect of the modern game, however any talk that Klopp isn’t the man too turn around the clubs fortunes following such an impressive effect on the team seems fool hardy.
Whilst the title is Chelsea’s to lose, Klopp has the emotional handle on his players if indeed the Blue’s are decent enough to drop point on their behalf.