What Is Wrong With Jurgen Klopp?

Never has the expression “a game of two halves” been more apt than in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Stoke on Saturday. The Reds were dreadful in the opening 45 minutes but dazzled after the break to come from behind and record what could be a pivotal win in their chase for a top-four spot.

Positives

Turning the game around when it looked to be headed the same way as so many of Liverpool’s other away days since the turn of the year. That’s the biggest positive because a defeat would have done serious — perhaps irreparable — damage to Liverpool’s Champions League hopes.

Negatives

The first half performance was dreadful and much of it can be laid at the door of the manager for a baffling team selection and tactical set up. Even allowing for that, the defending for Stoke’s goal was totally unacceptable and the lack of clean sheets is an ongoing problem.

Jurgen Klopp, 5 — It would have been a zero if the game had ended at half time as Klopp got it totally and utterly wrong. So many players were out of position and even those who weren’t looked uncomfortable in a system they had never played before.

Klopp redeemed himself with his changes at the break as the team were completely transformed and both substitutes got on the score sheet. A third substitute, Daniel Sturridge, also made an impact and helped to turn the result around.

GK Simon Mignolet, 9 — The Belgian made two world class saves in the second half that were just as important as the goalscoring contributions of the two Brazilians at the other end. In addition to that, he was strong and unflappable under the high ball and accomplished in his kicking. A truly outstanding display from a man who has been in fine form for several months now.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 — One of the few who performed to an acceptable standard in the opening 45 minutes, the 18-year-old could consider himself unfortunate to have been brought off at half time. Produced a couple of excellent crosses and looked composed and confident in possession.

DF Dejan Lovren, 6 — Had one or two awkward moments that could have been punished and his positioning for Jonathan Walters’ opener left a lot to be desired, but Lovren was much improved in the second half and almost got on the scoresheet when his powerful header rattled the crossbar.

DF Joel Matip, 6 — Got better as the game wore on, but as with the rest of the Liverpool back three he frequently looked uncertain positionally and was caught in no man’s land for the Stoke goal.

DF Ragnar Klavan, 4 — Never looked comfortable against the lively Xherdan Shaqiri and was beaten far too easily in the build up to Walters’ goal. He was later booked for a cynical foul on Shaqiri and then had the home crowd baying for a second yellow card when he blocked the diminutive Swiss winger once again. Not one of the Estonian’s better days.

DF Nathaniel Clyne, 6 — Began the game in the unfamiliar position of left wing-back and understandably struggled. After switching to his preferred side of the field he was much improved and made several important challenges while offering an attacking outlet.

MF James Milner, 6 — Back in the central midfield role he occupied for most of last season, but with so little attacking quality ahead of him found it difficult to make much of an impression.

MF Emre Can, 7 — Another good display from the German, who showed good energy and drive, particularly in the second half when the arrival of the Brazilian cavalry made it much easier for him to get on the ball and get Liverpool’s passing game going.

MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 7 — As with the rest of the team, the Dutchman struggled in the opening 45 but he was excellent after the break. Tireless in his running, he also produced several moments of genuine quality, not least the defence splitting pass that led to Robert Firmino’s winner.

FW Ben Woodburn, 6 — A difficult full debut for the 17-year-old and the game passed him by for long periods in the first half, although he probably should have been awarded a penalty when he was felled inside the box by Eric Pieters. Unsurprisingly replaced at half time.

FW Divock Origi, 4 — It wasn’t easy for the young Belgian given the way Liverpool set up and he was starved of service in the first half.

Substitutes:

FW Roberto Firmino, 8 — Left out because Klopp felt he had looked tired in midweek. The rest clearly did him good as he was superb after being introduced at the break and his brilliant goal was worthy of winning any game.

FW Philippe Coutinho, 8 — The little Brazilian has been struggling with illness all week and was a major doubt for this game, but thankfully he was able to take his place on the bench and along with Firmino, he turned the game on its head with his extra quality and a fine goal.

FW Daniel Sturridge, 7 — Looked sharp and his intelligent movement and ability to find space in the box gave Stoke plenty to worry about. Klopp will be delighted to have him back for the run-in.