Bayern show Klopp how to hit the ground running in a restart

IF ANYONE was going to signpost the way to Premier League glory for Jurgen Klopp it just had to be the Germans.

The Kop boss might have preferred his friends at Borussia Dortmund had been the club to close in on the Bundesliga title – but mighty Bayern Munich were never going to let that happen.

And as they took another giant step towards an eighth straight league crown, the German giants gave Klopp a clear message that his own Anfield stars can hit the ground running – just like Hansi Flick’s side.

Bayern trounced relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf with a menagainst-boys win.

After each goal the stadium announcer played the Can Can as a musical recognition of Bayern’s thrilling football – and Klopp will no doubt have smiled at that.

Back at Anfield, two victories after Project Restart will see Liverpool crowned champions of England for the first time in 30 long years with Klopp’s men needing five points to spark celebration among their fans.

But even though glory is agonisingly close questions remain for Liverpool to answer.

Can they pick up where they left off?

Will Klopp’s Holy Trinity of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino be as dangerous as they were precoronavirus?

Will Virgil van Dijk be as imperious as before the shutdown?

Klopp will hope so. But no-one really knows.

Nervousness

Yet if there’s any nervousness that Liverpool might struggle to immediately find the devastating form to end their wait in speedy fashion, Bayern Munich showed it’s more than possible.

Since the Bundesliga returned 15 days ago Bayern have won all four of their games. They’ve effortlessly slipped back into a ruthless groove, looking sharp, composed, determined and eager to get the job done.

Their play has been fast, fluent and intoxicating. Goals have flowed – 13 against just two conceded – and it looks as if they’ve never been away.

And Klopp will be hoping for the same hunger and response from his stars when they return to play Everton in the Merseyside derby in their first game back.

Bayern are the perfect example that it can be done, even if, when they meet Everton, it’ll be 101 days since Liverpool last played.

Form may be temporary but class is permanent – and Klopp has every reason to believe his stars can deliver the kind of masterclass Bayern Munich rolled out yesterday as they moved 10 points clear at the top of the table.

The Bundesliga has led the way in delivering a safe environment for the ‘new’ football with exceptional health protocols to give the Premier League hope they can do the same when their own games resume.

And Bayern have been their poster boys – quickly finding a rhythm and clinical efficiency Klopp will demand too.

Liverpool thrilled their fans, particularly before Christmas, with whirlwind displays that blew many teams away.

And if his own stars can find the kind of form Bayern showcased in the empty Allianz Arena last night, Klopp won’t care where Liverpool will have to play to conclude their games.

Shame

For Bayern’s fans it was a shame they were watching such brilliance from their Bavarian armchairs.

Okay Dusseldorf, managed by former Manchester City striker Uwe Rosler, aren’t the best and would probably be seen off by most Premier League teams.

But that doesn’t dilute a thumping victory achieved with the kind of heavy-metal football Klopp adores.

This was one-way traffic from the moment former Huddersfield defender Zanka diverted Benjamin Pavard’s 15thminute effort into his own goal. Pavard himself made it 2-0 with a downward header before a brilliant team goal sent Bayern into the break leading 3-0.

It was finished off by Polish hit-man Robert Lewandowski – who has now scored against every Bundesliga side – but Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Muller played starring roles.

Cheeky

The German giants gave Klopp a clear message that his own Anfield stars can pick up the pace

Five minutes after the break Lewandowski made it 4-0 with a cheeky flick for his 29th league goal of the season, putting him 11 away from Gerd Muller’s single season record for Bayern.

Teenage flyer Alphonso

Davies waltzed through two minutes later to make it 5-0.

With this kind of football Bayern look well capable of becoming kings of the Champions League as well as the Bundesliga.

For Klopp, just the Premier League, when it arrives, will be more than enough.