Optimism hasn’t dwindled since the German’s appointment a year ago
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp poses after the press conference
In many ways Jurgen Klopp’s first year in charge of the Reds could be summed up by last season’s Europa League campaign.
Some grit, impressive performances, a side that believes in itself and has developed character but a reminder that there is work to do.
After a depressing start to last season under Brendan Rodgers where it seemed the Reds were going nowhere fast, the fanbase needed a lift. It felt like everyone had come a long way from the night they were booed off against Carlisle on several occasions as they needed penalties to overcome them. Fast forward to half-time on that night in Basel and Liverpool fans were belting out There She Goes by The La’s. This followed Three Little Birds by Bob Marley being adopted after the away leg of the Borussia Dortmund tie. The contrast from earlier on in the season couldn’t have been more stark.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
One of the first things Jurgen Klopp did was make Liverpool fun to follow again. Not every result was going the Reds way. There were memorable and scintillating performances such as both league wins over Manchester City – especially the 4-1 victory on their own patch. There have been the late goals like against Arsenal, Norwich and Borussia Dortmund and the runs to cup finals which signals that silverware isn’t far away.
Last season showed Klopp had found plenty of pieces of the jigsaw in terms of what he wanted from his Liverpool side but wasn’t quite able to put them together to paint the desired picture.
He also wants the crowd to be a part of that – it’s hard to remember the last time a Liverpool manager engaged with the crowd on the same level Klopp does. He wants them to be involved, makes them feel they can have an impact on the result – and tells them to stay in their seat for 90 minutes, stop moaning at poor corners and not sing his name until the job is done.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates after Villarreal’s Bruno scores an own goal and the first for Liverpool
Despite the eighth place finish last season, there was still plenty of optimism around the club in the summer, even if the joy of that half time in Basel turned to despair as Sevilla got the better of the Reds that night.
The start to this season has hopes running high once again. Klopp has assembled a side that has got off to a terrific start to the season – and given they are within two points of the summit, along with bookmakers pricing them up as second favourites – there is talk of a title challenge.
He’s assembled a side that can score goals from different areas of the team, a side that can go away from home and compete with the best the league has to offer – the question is whether Liverpool can sustain their good start when the domestic seasons resumes in just over a week’s time.
There are still things to iron out – the defence is still leaking goals while Klopp seems to have cracked things at the other end of the field.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge at the end of the match
His infectious approach to everything about his job – in training, the way he addresses the media, how he is on the touchline and the style of play on the field have all been taken to warmly.
In another 12 months, he will no doubt want something to show for it. The big question will be – is he still searching for Liverpool’s holy grail then, or will he have delivered it in double quick time?
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