Klopp - from magician to flop
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 21.02.21. | 15:06
It's been a real rollercoaster for the Reds, who seemed almost invincible as recently as November 2020, but have lost four games at Anfield since which is the worst Liverpool record since 1923
Jurgen Klopp has the ability to break numerous records with the Reds. Not long ago, last July it was, the German tactician brought back the home title to Anfield Road after precisely 30 long years, the first domestic silverware for Liverpool in the Premiership era. A year before that, the Scousers celebrated their new Champions League title, the first after that unforgettable final in Istanbul 2005. Klopp and Liverpool seemed almost like a match made in heaven.
His undeniable charisma, prosocialist political views, and pre-intermediate English level, mixed with the passion on the sidelines, brought lots of fans' sympathy. Even the place in Liverpool's pantheon - alongside the likes of Bill Shankley, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish or Steven Gerrard - didn't seem too far away for a former Mainz defender. At least, it was the case until the last weeks of 2020. But since then, things have changed dramatically, and it's been a bumpy ride, to put it politely.
The consecutive 1-0 home losses against Burnley, Brighton, Manchester City and this last one at Merseyside Derby vs Everton (2-0) - let alone 3-1 defeat at Leicester - trashed that perfect Klopp's image into pieces. It's the worst losing streak for the Reds at Anfield since 1923! All of his once-charming flaws now seem like an obstacle for Liverpool's success.
In truth, Klopp's outfit's downfall coincided with numerous injuries of the crucial defenders such as Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. Without them, he was forced to turn things around, moving Jordan Henderson from his natural position in the midfield back to a defensive line, which affected the ball movement. And subsequently, and ironically, the one that suffered was Liverpool's forward line.
Salah, Mane and Firmino - that once-unstoppable trio - now struggles to find a pace and decent chance to score. It's not like they miss sitters; their efforts are much better than the positions from which they engage.
What now? If you believe (in) Jurgen Klopp, things will change the other way around. The only thing he didn't say is - when. Liverpool are already miles away, not only from the back-to-back home title but also the UCL spot for the next season is even in danger. The only glimpse of positive development can be seen in their current Champions League campaign, where 1/4 finals look inevitable after their 2-0 win against RB Leipzig in the first leg. For the team of Liverpool's ambition yet, too modest so far.
