Klopp’s revolution is really gathering pace
Aconfessed admirer of the underdog tales of Robin Hood and Rocky Balboa, Juergen Klopp is probably uncomfortable with Liverpool’s status as strong favourites in tonight’s Champions League semifinal, first leg against Roma.
However, it is testament to how far the German has revitalised a sleeping giant that Liverpool’s first appearance in the Champions League last four for a decade is met with such expectation.
It hasn’t always been a such a smooth ride since Klopp arrived in Anfield in 2016.
Indeed, even in the aftermath of a 5-1 quarterfinal thrashing of Manchester City, Klopp warned the clock was ticking on his promise to deliver a trophy within four years of taking charge.
Early in his reign Klopp at times bemoaned the subdued atmosphere in modern English grounds.
By contrast, Anfield will be at fever pitch on Tuesday to try and inspire the five-time European champions back to club football’s biggest game in the Kiev final on May 26.
Premier League champions City’s evisceration by a three-goal blitz in 19 first-half minutes was just another chapter in a long history of famous European nights at Anfield.
Klopp’s fluid 4-3-3 system has brought the best out of a prolific front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who have combined for 83 goals this season.
Most impressively of all, Klopp’s management has also ensured that Liverpool’s flurry of goals hasn’t dried up despite losing Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for £142 million in January and not buying a natural replacement.
Instead just over half of that fee was spent on Virgil van Dijk to bolster a defence that often let Klopp down in his first two years.
Since the £75 million Dutchman arrived, Liverpool have conceded just once in four European outings. –