Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has again called on his team to play an altered, defensive brand of football with a ‘win at all costs’ mentality.
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He asked the same before the Bournemouth clash, but Liverpool flourished during the first hour by playing offensively and struggled when sitting deep in the final minutes. It ended up costing us two points but oddly, Klopp has again suggested a feisty, battling game-plan will be utilised instead of our usual attacking one.
“I feel confidence in this moment because I know about football and I know what is possible,” Klopp told the Echo.
“The only thing we have to forget, if you want, is that we are Liverpool and have to play like Liverpool.
“We have to be a real challenge for them. That is what we have to be. We can be this.
“That is how most of the teams are playing against us – to defend as good as possible and then use the situations to create with this. That is how we will play, 100%.
“You can win football games with each line-up. That is the nice thing about this game.”
Hopefully, Joel Matip will be able to start which will enable Ragnar Klavan to drop to the bench. The Estonian was partly at fault for Bournemouth’s equaliser and we’re a much better side when the Cameroonian partners Dejan Lovren at the back…
With Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana injured, the rest of the team largely picks itself…
Lucas will anchor the midfield with Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum either side. Roberto Firmino and Coutinho will flank Divock Origi up top, but if Coutinho is ill, Daniel Sturridge could come into the side instead.
The Englishman has a lot to prove after a miserable season where it’s become apparent he doesn’t have a long-term future under Klopp – but he’s our best finisher and if we’re looking to win tight games such as this – he could make a serious difference.