Klopp has got Reds at top to stay
MUCH has been made of the Liverpool midfield the last time they played Napoli in Europe, but you don’t need to go back that far to gauge how far the club has come.
Even the briefest of glances at the team-sheet from Jurgen Klopp’s first European match in charge as Reds boss tells you the story of the huge development under the German.
To remind you, they scraped against a draw after trailing to Rubin Kazan. More pertinently, only two players involved in the entire 18 that night started against the Italians. Fast-forward three years and Klopp (left) has assembled a team of thoroughbreds, a squad that is not just better than the one he inherited – but on a different planet.
The way Liverpool approached the game, the confidence with which they dominated the visitors for so long, carved out so many chances against a defence renowned for their organisation was something for Reds fans across the globe to treasure.
For many who suggested getting to the Cham;pions League Final last season was a fluke, Klopp has shown the Reds are truly at the top to stay.
He has done it too, by turning topquality players into world-class ones.
Evidence of that came with Mo Salah’s sublime goal, where he showed the awareness and cheek to give David Ospina the eyes – and make him a laughing stock.
And then, in injury-time, when Alisson pulled off the most brilliant save from point-blank range.
There is still some way to go, but Klopp has a squad only just behind Manchester City in terms of quality.