By Taran, Technology Editor
In the last few years, Liverpool have improved substantially since the introduction of Klopp towards the end of 2015, transforming the team from a lacklustre Europa League spot to 2nd/3rd place in the Premier League. What exactly has Klopp done?
Jürgen Klopp took over the Merseyside team in October of 2015 from Brendan Rodgers and has changed many things for the Reds in his two and a bit years he has been at Liverpool. Previously managing Borussia Dortmund, the former player and German coach had something different.
Under Klopp, Liverpool have changed and have had some amazing games such as the come-back in Dortmund in the Europa League after being 3-0 down. As well as this, Liverpool have beaten one of Europe’s best sides and (most likely) league winners-Man City 4-3. Klopp plays pressing football, this one of the reasons for Liverpool’s success over Man City. The players in 2015 did not have this level of fitness to cope with it.
This obstacle was overcome with the help of Andreas Kornmayer, a fitness guru who joined the Reds after being with Bayern Munich for 15 years. This has seen Liverpool rank first in distance covered, sprints, passes in the oppositions half, dribbles, chances created and shots on target in the 16-17 season (Source: COPA 90). Not only that but it has transformed players, Roberto Firmino has become a different type of striker, doing the dirty work but getting the goals nonetheless. Firmino is underrated as his pressing and extreme work rate is a big reason for Liverpool’s goals.
However, it’s not just all about the fitness. Adam Lallana realised Klopp’s plan and moved back into a midfield role previously being in a right wing position. This helped to utilise Sadio Mané whom Klopp brought in from Southampton in 2016. Lallana did not score as much but his output game has increased hugely. In the 16-17 season he scored 3 and assisted 3 in 7 games. Even though the midfielder has been injured for most of the current season, he looks to be back in action and could help Liverpool’s counter attack with his key passes.
The formation has changed as well originally being a 4-3-3 in 2015, changing to something that resembles a 4-3-3 with a False 9. This helps with the attacking midfielders and strikers being able to switch positions easily. The effect has been helped by Mohammed Salah whom Liverpool bought from Roma. The Egyptian’s speed and creativity helps to get him on the score sheet but he exchanges positions with Mané, Firmino and Coutinho when he was still at the club.
All in all, Klopp has changed Liverpool and I believe it is for the better and this has been shown by the Red’s performance in the Champions League and Premier League, looking for a top 4 spot instead of struggling for one. Who knows where Klopp will lead the Kop next…