Liverpool had 32 shots on goal versus Rubin Kazan and 15 corners, but could only draw 1-1 with the Russians despite having more than two thirds of possession.
The positivity surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s appointment has been infectious, and led an overexcited Steve McManaman to predict a 5-0 victory in the buildup. After the game though he claimed it’d be a ‘miracle’ if we finished in the top four (via the Echo), which reflects how much a win was expected on the German’s Anfield bow.
While a victory would’ve been ideal, in terms of squad morale and group qualification chances, Klopp was largely satisfied, but expects more in coming weeks.
“We had our moments and hit the post through Christian Benteke. At the end, no goal,” he said after the game, reported in the Daily Mail.
“So I would say 98 per cent okay, not perfect, the other two percent, that is the problem of this game. Sion win their game and they are away in the group.
“We can come back in Kazan. That is the next challenge. It is not a master-class but not the worst day in my life.
“When you come for the first time in a new house, normally you have a present. I am not quite satisfied with my present tonight but it was only the first time and I will come again.”
Here’s five things we, and Klopp, can learn from last night.
-Everybody loves Mamadou Sakho, easily our best player this season so far…
This seems like a rather outlandish statement, but since Sakho made his first appearance of the season away to Bordeaux late September, he’s arguably been Liverpool’s best player in each of the seven appearances since. And along with Adam Lallana and Emre Can, he can stake a claim for Man of the Match last night, too. The Kop cheered Sakho’s every touch almost, applauding the Frenchman as he marched out of defence – even encouraging him to shoot when he entered the opposition half. He was utterly dominant defensively, winning all his tackles and headers, outshining centre-back Martin Skrtel yet again. Sakho saluted the Kop as the game ended, and with Coutinho flattering to deceive, he’s Anfield’s favourite son right now.