KUYT’S BACKING KLOPP TO FLY HIGH AGAIN
FORMER Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt believes it is only a matter of time before Jurgen Klopp gets it right again at Liverpool.
And the Dutchman has warned Ajax that Tuesday night in the Champions League is the perfect occasion for Klopp’s team to prove they are not a spent force.
Liverpool are reeling after a poor start to the Premier League campaign and painful European lesson at the hands of Napoli.
But Kuyt, who became a big favourite with the Kop during his six years on Merseyside, said: “I am confident that Klopp (below) will get Liverpool back on track. He is still searching for the right mechanism in midfield and in attack.
“That doesn’t surprise me after the departure of
Sadio Mane to Bayern
Munich and the arrival of Benfica striker Darwin
Nunez. They are two completely different types of striker.
“If the club is having a bad time, like this period, the crowd often creates an atmosphere of invincibility. I would be very surprised if Ajax can play well against Liverpool under that intense pressure.”
Kuyt (left, below), who is having a tough time himself having taken charge of ADO Den Haag in the summer, added: “At Anfield, I have seen even the greatest teams with the most-experienced top players lose the plot.
“As a Liverpool player, you’re boosted by the noise. Then an energy is released and there’s no stopping you.” And ahead of the showdown with the Dutch champions Kuyt said: “Liverpool have trouble with teams who play with fast attackers on the counter. I don’t see Ajax adapting in that way.
“I expect an open game and because of the attacking qualities a game full of goals. I think a 3-1 or 4-2 win for Liverpool.
“Everyone now sees Paris Saintgermain, Manchester City and Bayern Munich as the biggest contenders for the Champions League – but watch out because Liverpool will join that list of candidates. I’m convinced of that.”