When Liverpool chose Jurgen Klopp as successor to Brendan Rodgers, very few people had something bad to say. Two statements made since by the new manager carry even more weight.
Liverpool looked like a team that had lost its identity and inspiration under Brendan Rodgers, a manager who had almost won their first title in 24 years only 18 months before his dismissal.
Since he walked into Anfield, Klopp has improved Liverpool. The home defeat by Crystal Palace was a sharp jab of reality but away wins at Chelsea and now Manchester City have shown what the 48-year-old German is capable of inspiring.
Liverpool are experiencing the ‘bounce’ most clubs enjoy when a new manager arrives – but Klopp’s effervescent, positive approach is being allied to sound common sense that has put them back on the road to recovery.
Rodgers did much fine work at Liverpool and it should always be remembered that he was within a Steven Gerrard slip of bringing the Premier League title back to Anfield, a feat that would have instantly made him a club legend.
This season Liverpool, under Rodgers, looked weak. Even the manager’s confidence and belief and his positive approach seemed to have deserted him as they became conservative and cautious, almost frightened of defeat.
Klopp, a manager rich in pedigree from his Bundesliga successes with Borussia Dortmund, has started putting his own pieces in place.
he victory at Manchester City , as well as the win at Chelsea at the end of October, had Klopp’s stamp all over it.
Liverpool pressed City from the first whistle, spreading anxiety around Etihad Stadium on and off the pitch and unrest in their opponents’ ranks.
It makes them a very dangerous proposition away from home, harassing opponents intent on attack high up the pitch and hitting them rapidly on the counter.
Klopp has brought a positivity back to Liverpool, a bundle of energy on the touchline, urging his players forward, applauding the good and reacting furiously to the bad.
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