Leeds make statement despite Anfield loss

Liverpool’s Klopp praises rivals

Liverpool Leeds United waited 16 years to get back into the Premier League to compete with the best, and while they suffered a 4-3 loss to Liverpool, it was clear from Saturday’s showing that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are an exciting addition to the top flight.

The promoted club came back three times to equalise against the champions, they enjoyed most of the possession and played with a relentless verve and energy, and without a hint of stage fright. The pity was that this pulsating encounter took place, like every other game this weekend, in an empty stadium this was the kind of clash that would have had Anfield on its feet.

It can often come across as patronising when a winning manager praises defeated opponents but Jurgen Klopp’s post-match comments were a sincere appreciation of Leeds’ approach to the game. “Leeds are special,” said Klopp.

“I congratulated every one of their team, what a team they are. Unbelievable. I will watch them quite often during the season.”

Bielsa’s side defended with a deep line but while other teams who have adopted that approach at Anfield have bunkered down for a long day of defending, Leeds took the game to Liverpool.

It is an approach that stretches the field, creating open areas in midfield, which can be risky against a team of Liverpool’s quality.

But it worked, for the most part, because Leeds covered so much ground with their impressive work-rate and because they had the skill and organisation to move the ball swiftly through the lines.

“I said before the game, we will all struggle against them, 100%, because the way they play is just uncomfortable. It is different to all the other teams,” said Klopp.

It was an approach that worked forcing Liverpool away from their usual tactic of a high press and leaving them needing to operate deeper.

Such has been the focus on Argentinian Bielsa and his demanding system that the individual quality in the Leeds side, which won the Championship title last season, is often underplayed.

Bielsa was not joining in the praise of his team, however.

“I can never be happy in defeat,” said the former Athletic Bilbao and Chile coach, who highlighted his team’s defensive errors.