NEIL MOXLEY Klopp: The man making Liverpool lovable again
Follow us on Twitter: @peoplesport AMID the general excitement, chaos and gloating this summer – not to mention the media feeding-frenzy in Manchester - a few miles up the road on Merseyside a significant event went largely unnoticed.
The much- hyped arrivals of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola caught the imagination.
Quietly, however, Liverpool were making their own statement.
Jurgen Klopp was handed a new six-year deal. Read that again. Six years! As votes of confidence in managers go, that was right up there – the genial German handed the freedom of Anfield within nine months of landing.
Managing director Ian Ayre and his board must have liked what they’ve seen in the heavy metal/soft rock enthusiast – no more Highway to Hell or Living on a Prayer in L4 – oh no.
While the contract that confirmed Klopp’s arrival was still probably in someone’s in-tray for filing, it had to be dug out and replaced with a new one – club owner John W. Henry saying it would have been “irresponsible” for them not to have acted.
Not bad. Not bad at all for improving Liverpool’s league position by two places from when he took over from Brendan Rodgers.
Now, before my in-box is inundated with upset Reds punters – it would only be fair to point out that the difference between then and now is marked.
There is a vitality about the place. An energy. A belief.
If Klopp has done nothing else, he has re-established a feel-good factor.
Given the manner in which his teams play, with intensity, with gusto and verve, he’s nearly doing the unthinkable – making Liverpool lovable again.
Klopp’s big grin is infectious – even though his reprise of Daniel Sturridge’s dance routine a couple of weeks ago lacked a little finesse. For me, the litmus test last season was how the Reds fared in the Europa League in Dortmund.
Far from being cowed against a side that dismantled Spurs in the previous round, they were unfortunate not to establish an advantage ahead of that unforgettable return leg.
The Reds’ strength is up front. That red swarm attacking from all angles. And they do so at speed. Klopp likes the high-energy game and his forwards have to buy into that.
A lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Sadio Mane and the increasingly impressive Divock Origi.
If Liverpool get it right this season, a couple of teams could be on the end of a right good hiding.
But where Klopp needs to improve – and it’s a weakness that has blighted the club for years – is in defence.
A succession of keepers and centrebacks have not convinced. The manager dipped into the German market to take goalie Lorus Karius and defenders Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan, who have all prospered in the Bundesliga – the competition most like the Premier League. That will be key. But the real killer lies in that word ‘inconsistency’.
Klopp took over last October and the schedule, with Europa League commitments was heavy. It did afford the opportunity to give every player a chance. But, under their new manager, only six points were taken from 18 on offer against last season’s top four.
Defeats against Watford, Newcastle United, Swansea City and Crystal Palace also do not bear the hallmarks of a top-quality side.
Klopp has no excuses now. Without European football, Liverpool are not playing every four days.
He can keep his players fresh. He has enjoyed an extended honeymoon period and shaped his squad. It’s fresh, it’s exciting and new. If Liverpool’s boss can stop the rot at the back and can get off to a flier, starting today at the Emirates, confidence will grow. The Reds’ days as also- rans could well be over.
And the wisdom of handing out that six-year contract will dwarf anything that has happened in Manchester. THE BBC’S televised coverage of the Olympics is driving me nuts. Actually, it’s just hurting my thumb flicking between the channels to watch the continuation of the same event. Just stick to one channel. Please. JACK WILSHERE (left) says England players deserve to be given the bird following their display against Iceland at the European Championship. I’m not sure why he’s brought that up. It wasn’t topping the agendas of most punters. Obviously, it will be now. through the movement – which basically involves Henry scooting out to the left wing.
Then Pep returns to brief Eto’o. He says the same thing to the Cameroon international. Only his run is to be on the right. And he walks him through it.
Pep plonks the ball at Iniesta’s feet and Henry and Eto’o practice their runs. The ball remains stationary.
He then gathers all five back in the centre circle and turns to Iniesta and Xavi and says: “When you get the ball here, Thierry and Samuel know what they have to do.
“What I want you to do is ignore them. And pass it to him.” With that, he points to Messi. Is that genius? Or just stating the bleedin’ obvious?
That depends on your perception. We are certain to have a better idea ourselves by the end of this season.