Liverpool are on top of the world and on top of the league
LIVERPOOL have scaled many summits since the appointment of Juergen Klopp, with the latest coming in Qatar as they beat Flamengo 1-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. Under Klopp’s Sherpa-like guidance his players have ascended to new altitudes of belief in their ability.
That belief was a crucial component of the stirring comeback that overwhelmed Barcelona in last season’s Champions League semi-final. And it is the same belief that has led Liverpool to the top of the Premier League with a sufficiently commanding lead that they enjoy the elevated view alone.
After lifting the Club World Cup trophy, Klopp said: “The boys have improved a lot over these months and when you start believing you believe through the full 90 minutes and in this case 120 minutes.”
He’s right. Liverpool have scored a lot of goals of late in “Kloppage time” as they continue to press and persevere until the very end of games.
It took extra time to see off Flamengo thanks to Roberto Firmino’s winner.
But the natural joy of victory will be tempered by having to play even more minutes during a month in which the time between matches is being calculated in hours.
An injury to Alex OxladeChamberlain, although perhaps not as severe as first feared, will provide Klopp with further cause for concern on the flight home. The next few weeks will be a test of the strength and durability of Liverpool’s squad.
A lack of rest may prove to be an issue for some of his players but Klopp is unlikely to experience much disruption to his sleep as he contemplates the challenges ahead. He need only glance around the plane to see a group of players brimming with talent, commitment and confidence.
That squad have just been further bolstered by the signing of Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg for the bargain price of £7.25mil (RM38mil).
The Japanese star will add creative spark to a midfield that sometimes tends towards the functional. He also offers cover further forward should Klopp decide to give a break to one of his dynamic front three.
Upon his arrival Minamino immediately proclaimed that his targets are “to win the Premier League and the Champions League, and to make good contributions to the team.”
He has a very good chance of achieving his first target within just a few months of joining the club.
Liverpool return to England as world champions and, more importantly, with a 10 point lead in the Premier League as well as a game in hand on their nearest rivals. With another trophy to add to the Anfield cabinet, and of course to his own CV, Klopp has a lot to celebrate this Christmas.
The Premier League trophy has now been conspicuous by its absence at Anfield for three decades and it remains the one that Liverpool need most of all.
Being champions of the world will count for little if the Reds don’t finish the season as champions of England.
That title is not exactly being gift wrapped by rivals but the struggles of Manchester City and others have presented Liverpool with an opportunity that they must take.
If they do, Klopp can expect a statue in his honour for next Christmas.
He isn’t just building what looks likely to be a title-winning squad, the German has a genuine chance of establishing a whole new era of success at Liverpool.
Very good players want to join and no one wants to leave. Liverpool are sitting on top of the world and on top of the league. Right now, it’s the place to be. Craig Wilkie. Football writer. Football coach. Football fan. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Star