Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have turned into real title contenders in 2016.
After moving to replace Brendan Rodgers in October 2015, Liverpool have found themselves under the leadership of a new taskmaster, who has brought an exciting, energetic attacking style of football back to Anfield. But can Jurgen Klopp take Liverpool to the next level in the 16/17 season, and turn them into genuine title contenders?
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe (R) during the recent game
With Liverpool’s form still relatively up and down at the beginning of 2016, nobody quite new yet how well Jurgen Klopp’s new methods were working on his new Liverpool side. After picking up just one Premier League win in January, the Reds went on to win 3 on the bounce in February, followed in April by winning four in a row. The highlights including a dramatic 5-4 win against Norwich City.
Adam Lallana celebrates with team mates and manager Juergen Klopp after scoring the fifth goal in a stunning 5-4 win over Norwich
It seemed Klopp’s tactic for his new Liverpool side was to just outscore and outrun the opponent, a feat that might work against lesser sides, but saw them struggle against those with a tight defence. However, the Reds form did start to pick up towards the end of the season, with the club finishing a respectable 8th, ending the season with a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
Liverpool’s Brad Smith in action with West Brom’s Jonas Olsson and Darren Fletcher
However, in Europe, Liverpool had been in scintillating form, making their way to the Europa League final, facing reigning champions, Sevilla.
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren in action with Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi
Taking the lead through Daniel Sturridge, however, Liverpool would go on to lose the game 1-3, with the Spanish standing to firm at the back for Liverpool to score more. Despite the disappointment of defeat in the final, Liverpool fans were delighted to see their club already reaching the heights in Europe that they had been so used to in the past, while they had also narrowly lost in the League Cup final earlier in the year.
Liverpool players look dejected after losing the UEFA Europa League Final
Knowing they needed to strengthen over the summer to improve on their 8th place finish, the Reds acted quickly to bring in fresh new legs. Signing the likes of German goalkeeper Loris Karius, Schalke defender Joel Matip and Southampton forward Sadio Mane, Liverpool looked in good shape going into the 16/17 season.
Liverpool’s new signing Sadio Mane warms up before a match
Starting the new season off with a bang, Liverpool played out an exciting fixture against fellow title-contenders Arsenal, winning the game 3-4 thanks to goals from Coutinho, Lallana and Mane. A defeat to Burnley later in August indicated that there was still room for refining the Reds’ approach.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Arsenal with manager Jurgen Klopp and teammates
But things clicked soon after. Going the course of September unbeaten, Liverpool scored 11 goals in just 3 games, and began to take shape as the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking side. Wins included a 4-1 victory over Leicester City, a 1-2 win over Chelsea and a 5-1 win over Hull City, thanks to goals from Lallana, Milner, Mane and Coutinho.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Hull City with Sadio Mane
Scoring 46 goals so far in the 16/17 Premier League campaign, and recording more emphatic wins such as the 2-4 win over Crystal Palace and the 6-1 thrashing of Watford, Liverpool look in good shape to push for the title in 2017. However, after conceding 21 goals so far, Liverpool may look to strengthen at the back in January, as they look to plug up their defence for when they can’t quite outscore their opponents.
The year also ended on a high – with a 1-0 win over title challengers Manchester City at Anfield. Liverpool are now 2nd place in the Premier League, and currently running Chelsea close for the title.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Liverpool’s Emre Can celebrate after the game
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