US owner full of praise for Klopp’s ‘special team’
John W Henry, Liverpool’s principal owner, believes the club are on course for “a special season” after claiming that manager Jurgen Klopp has solved their long-standing defensive issues.
Klopp’s side have equalled their best start to a Premier League season by taking 26 points from 10 games and Henry – speaking after watching his baseball franchise, the Boston Red Sox, win the World Series in Los Angeles – feels the club are more equipped than ever to challenge for major honours.
Liverpool’s undefeated start to the season has fuelled Henry’s optimism about the prospect of both of his sides tasting success.
Liverpool have eight wins in 10 matches, including last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Cardiff City, as they chase their first Premier League title since 1990.
It has been an era of near misses since Fenway Sports Group ended the disastrous reign of Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr eight years ago.
Liverpool have been close to lifting every major trophy: losing in the finals of the Europa League, Champions League and FA Cup, as well as the narrowly missing out on the title in 2014. The League Cup, won in 2012 under Kenny Dalglish, is the only silverware of the current ownership group’s tenure.
Henry says the loss in Kiev to Real Madrid in May was especially tough to endure. “Kiev was painful,” Henry admitted while addressing the media on the field at Dodger Stadium. “But getting to the Champions League final, you could say we were a little ahead of schedule.
“I think that Jurgen [Klopp] has solved our defensive issues and we are really strong at the back and in midfield, and everyone knows how good we are up front.”
FSG has invested heavily in Liverpool’s defence over the past 18 months. Brazil goalkeeper Alisson joined from Roma for £65million following the recruitment of centre-half Virgil van Dijk for £75million last January. Andy Robertson has improved dramatically since arriving for a bargain £8 million from Hull City, while Trent Alexanderarnold and Joe Gomez have established themselves as England internationals within the past year.
“[Liverpool] is a very special team, and it could be a special season,” said Henry.
When FSG bought the Red Sox in 2002 they were in the midst of their own title drought, having not won the World Series since 1918.