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.
-There’s a new manager, but Liverpool’s confidence in the final third is still woefully lacking…
Liverpool have drawn seven of their past eight matches, and while the defence has occasionally been leaky, it’s predominantly the fault of an inability to score goals. In that time we’ve bagged more than once on just one occasion, and it’s no surprise that Daniel Sturridge started up top that day. As mentioned, Liverpool had 32 attempts on goal last night, but could only score when the ball fell to Emre Can two yards out. The attacks lacked imagination, guile and quality. They were stale, and although Rubin were under the cosh, they didn’t have to do anything other than defend sensibly to keep us at bay. Without being too disrespectful, this was a poor Russian outfit who are hovering around their domestic relegation zone. So what does that say about a full-strength (bar injuries) Liverpool side? Klopp’s clearly been working on our pressing out of possession, but with the opposition letting us have the ball – we looked totally inept. The ball would go wide, it’d come back central, it’d go wide. Then it’d be lost and we’d start again. Coutinho is not himself and Divock Origi is not yet a Liverpool starter by a long shot. Klopp’s biggest task is to get Liverpool’s playmakers expressing themselves and creating proper chances, while making sure his beleaguered strike-force start firing as well.
-A fit Daniel Sturridge is the first name on the team-sheet, and will make Klopp’s job far, far easier…
As Klopp was appointed, there were fans claiming Daniel Sturridge wouldn’t fit into Klopp’s style, and Benteke would be a better fit as the starting centre-forward. Rubbish. Sturridge is easily, easily our best striker and the new manager will surely know it’s imperative that he gets the crocked Englishman consistently fit. His quality in and around the box simply transforms us into a different offensive animal. It wouldn’t be making an excuse for Brendan Rodgers to say that Sturridge’s injury last season went some way in costing the Northern Irishman his job, and if he remains unselectable it’s going to make the new boss’s job significantly harder as well.
-Regardless of result, Klopp’s appointment has sparked Anfield back into life…
Let’s be honest – if a Brendan Rodgers side drew with the Russians in that manner – there’d have been an almighty backlash. And ironically, Rodgers’ last game at Anfield was a 1-1 Europa League draw which ended in loud boos, while YNWA rung out in stoppage time of Klopp’s own disappointing draw. But the support was largely exceptional, despite a familiar sight on the pitch. Klopp asked fans to ‘believe’, and we’re clearly trying. Fans universally want the German to do well, and there’s never been an appointment met with such approval. As a result, he’s going to be given the time and support he needs and deserves. Let’s just hope his players can raise their efforts as the Kop did.
-Lucas will be first choice anchorman, not Joe Allen…
The only selection change from the Tottenham and Rubin draws was Joe Allen replacing Lucas to face the Russians, in what seemed like an audition for the holding midfield role. But after 45 minutes of the Europa League tie, Klopp withdrew the Welshman for his far more popular Brazilian counterpart, effectively announcing his favoured defensive midfielder. And he’s right to go with Lucas, who is easily Allen’s superior, proven again last night. Expect our longest serving player to return the starting lineup for the Southampton clash at the weekend, with Allen back where he belongs on the bench.
