KLOPP’S GONE FROM MR MOTIVATOR TO MR MOANER

THIS season Jurgen Klopp hasn’t come across as that cool character who isn’t fazed by whatever is thrown at him. Instead, he’s become more of a complainer. From 12.30pm kick-offs, to three-versus-five substitutes, to how many penalties Manchester United are awarded compared to Liverpool — he’s targeted it all. Aggravation is there whenever he speaks. He’s gone from Mr Motivator to Mr Moaner. And yet, they remain top of the Premier League. They may be without the world’s best centre back in Virgil van Dijk. They may have gone consecutive games without scoring. They may have a more modest 33 points compared to the 49 they had after 17 League matches last campaign, when they were being talked up as the next Invincibles. But they are still top. The fact that, after a 0-0 draw at Newcastle and 1-0 loss to Southampton, Liverpool are being accused of struggling shows you the level they have been performing at. This season’s title race may come down to who handles the struggle the best. Liverpool knew it would be hard without Van Dijk — City slipped after losing Vincent Kompany — and were always likely to suffer a dip. The Dutchman is as irreplaceable as it gets. With a crammed fixture schedule, and Covid-19 throwing up unfortunate surprises, this season was always going to be a slog. City have been trying to cope without Sergio Aguero. They’ve found new ways to win, including using Kevin De Bruyne up front at Chelsea to great effect. Liverpool miss Van Dijk, and Klopp (right) is moaning about this, that, whatever. It’s not so much about who can play the most free-flowing football this season, but who can win despite the circumstances.