Jurgen Klopp, as he stated himself, has taken on the ‘biggest challenge’ in world football (via BBC Sport), and if he’s to succeed in it, he’ll need to right plenty of wrongs committed by the previous regime.
He does have a talented, hungry squad at his disposal and a board ready to back him though, so despite Brendan Rodgers previously claiming otherwise, the Liverpool manager should have the ‘tools’ to get it right.
How he’ll use them will define his chances of success, and we’ve noted five areas which require immediate attention in this search.
1) Reinvigorate a baiting, confused fanbase
Somehow, his name alone has managed to do this already in many respects. The noise when he’s introduced to the Kop as he makes his Anfield bow versus Rubin Kazan one week Thursday is going to be deafening. Supporters are genuinely excited and impassioned since his appointment, and his wonderful introductory press-conference is going to buy him good will early on, regardless of results and performances. Towards the end of Rodgers’ reign, there were simply no believers left. Anfield was uninspiring and its silence heaped more pressure on already nervous players. We need it to boost them again, and while a good start on the pitch for Klopp will guarantee rapturous support, his mere presence will likely do it anyway at first.
2) Pick a formation and stick to it
Rodgers used countless formations, often more than two in individual games, and it caused a lack of defensive structure and a lack of offensive fluidity. Klopp needs to decide on a tactic which he feels suits the squad and stick with it – enabling them to master it. This should help both the defenders and the attackers – especially as Klopp’s counter-attacking, rapid football requires all units to work together. He’s most known for the 4-2-3-1, but as the other points in this piece will prove, that will create problems for itself in terms of selection.
3) Teach Alberto Moreno defensive responsibility
Jurgen Klopp’s only ever played with four at the back, meaning Moreno’s stint as a marauding wing-back is likely over. And with Joe Gomez not possessing enough offensive traits to fit in Klopp’s system as a fullback, Moreno is our only feasible option at left-back. The Spaniard is excellent when we’re on the ball, but often a liability when defending. He has the potential to be a superb fit under Klopp – who values rapid fullbacks who provide overlapping width – but he needs to sort himself out at the back in order to achieve this.
4) Find a role for Roberto Firmino alongide Coutinho in the side
Firmino’s currently injured, but there’s been reports that he’ll be back sooner rather than later after a back injury has ruled him out of recent fixtures. He cost £29m, thrived in the Bundesliga, and seemingly has all the attributes Klopp appreciates – with the former Borussia Dortmund manager targeting him while in Germany. But until now, the uber-talented Brazilian has struggled – shipped between positions. He’ll thrive centrally, and it’s a possibility he could be given the second striker, or no.10, spot, with Coutinho starting slightly to the left (where he often drifts anyway). It’s incomprehensible that Klopp won’t at least try to get Firmino, on paper one of our best players, into the starting XI. Alternatively, he could play as a wide-forward – but he never did well here in Germany – and it’s up to Klopp to now maximise his ability.
5) Decide how to use Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge
This is going to be tricky for the incoming boss. He’s only ever played with one centre-forward, and Benteke’s power and hold-up attributes arguably make him more suitable. The Belgian also cost £32.5m, so like with Firmino, it’s imperative that Klopp fits him into a formation. But Daniel Sturridge, now healthy and raring to go, is arguably our best and most important player. Will Klopp use Sturridge on the right in a slightly withdrawn role, or is that a waste of his ability in front of goal? Of course, if he wants to use the Englishman centrally, he’ll have to adapt his standardly utilised 4-2-3-1 formation, or use Benteke in rotation.
