Klopp influence tells as Liverpool find new resolve

STAMFORD BRIDGE had just erupted, anticipating an afternoon of joy, when Jurgen Klopp leapt from his seat in the dugout and began whistling at his players.

Tapping his fingers under his chin and motioning them to lift their heads, Liverpool’s manager set out his stall. For the past 12 months, this squad have been too easily beaten and Klopp was shocked when he saw their brittle nature first-hand after they conceded a late equaliser against Southampton.

This threatened to be even worse. A goal down to the champions, with the home fans frenzied and expectant, had Liverpool conceded a second goal in the seventh minute when John Terry headed across goal from Willian’s free-kick, his message would have been futile.

But, slowly, Klopp began to get things organised. He spoke with his coaching staff and consulted his medics when something came to his attention that he did not like. He bellowed at his players, and chances began to arrive.

A move down the right ended with Adam Lallana firing at Asmir Begovic and the midfielder went close again shortly after. Lucas Leiva then tested the Bosnian keeper with a header. Liverpool had settled.

What they needed was a goal and, in first-half injury time, it arrived. Philippe Coutinho suddenly came alive, jinking inside a challenge from Gary Cahill to fire gloriously past Begovic.

Klopp emerged for the second period with the same intensity. While Jose Mourinho squabbled with the fourth official, bemoaning every decision that went against Chelsea, his counterpart was relentlessly animated, making sure there was no loss of focus. His introduction of Christian Benteke in the 63rd minute was crucial.

Within 20 minutes, Liverpool had scored twice more and Klopp was unable to contain himself when Benteke ripped their decisive third past Begovic, leaping up and punching the air in delight. This was a deeply significant afternoon in Liverpool’s season and Klopp knew it.

‘You have to work hard,’ said Klopp, who engulfed Milner in a bear hug at the end of the match. ‘That’s what we did.’

More specifically, that is what he did. The contrast between him and the glowering Mourinho at the end was as stark as it could be.