Let’s not get too edgy
Manager Klopp urges patience as Liverpool thrive
LONDON: Liverpool are building momentum after three successive wins in League and Cup but manager Juergen Klopp is pleading for patience when his team face Hull at Anfield today.
Klopp’s men have swatted aside high-quality opponents in Arsenal, champions Leicester and Chelsea this season with a brand of exciting, fast football.
However, their only defeat so far this term came against a Burnley side who won 2-0 with only 19% of the possession.
Hull have proved resolute when under pressure this season, but Klopp believes it would be unhelpful for the home crowd to get too edgy too soon if an early goal fails to materialise against a side Liverpool are expected to beat.
“So many people think we have a problem against bus parking,” Klopp said. “I cannot remember a lot of space in the games we played against Chelsea or Tottenham (a 1-1 draw).
“We have to find solutions,” the German added. “I think we all can improve – the team, coaches, manager and the crowd.
“If you create chances against Chelsea, it’s positive. If you miss, it’s still positive because you created a chance against Chelsea. If you miss a chance against Burnley, it’s seen as a negative.
“That’s what we have to learn. No football game is easy. It is not easier against Hull, why should it be easier?”
Liverpool have been thrilling going forward but not always so convincing at the other end and Klopp has a dilemma over his number one.
Loris Karius was widely expected to become Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper when he signed from Mainz in May, but his progress was halted when he suffered a broken finger during the pre-season tour of the United States.
That gave Simon Mignolet the chance to start the season in goal – but now Karius is fit again, making his debut on Tuesday as Liverpool won 3-0 at Derby in the third round of the English League Cup.
“If I make a decision for the next game, it’s not that this is how it is for the next five years,” said Klopp, giving nothing away.
“It’s a decision at a high level because I’m really happy with both of them. You’ll have to wait and see.”
If I make a decision for the next game, it’s not that this is how it is for the next five years. Juergen Klopp