Frustrating Draw Can’t Take Away Positives For Klopp

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Frustrating Draw Can’t Take Away Positives For Klopp

Liverpool went so close to winning their first game for new manager Jurgen Klopp against Southampton when Christian Benteke headed the Reds into the lead in the 77th minute but an 85th leveller form Mane stunned the home support and left them disappointed as they hoped the former Aston Villa striker’s goal would give them the win they craved for.

Liverpool have certainly been consistent in recent weeks, but not in the manner anyone connected to the club wants as they find wins hard to find after drawing their 8th game out of 9.

It has become a common theme to see Liverpool take the lead only to let it slip time and time again and Klopp mentioned after yesterday’s latest draw that the players don’t believe they can win at the moment with their lack of confidence.

There certainly is a lack of confidence in the team and it showed again after taking the lead yesterday with only 10 minutes to go and still not able to see the game out.

But although Klopp has many problems to solve, there were many good things about yesterday’s draw.

The team is playing with a lot more heart since Klopp’s arrival and no matter the result Liverpool supporters want to see their players giving their all and that is now happening with the German in charge and Moreno’s tremendous tackle on Mane highlighted the commitment shown by the players yesterday.

Klopp has inherited an average squad with no confidence and numerous injuries to key players but in his short time in charge he has installed a tremendous work ethic in the team and made Liverpool more solid defensively.

Liverpool looked more confident in possession against Southampton despite not creating many goal scoring opportunities.

Southampton are a dangerous team from set-pieces and apart from the equalising goal the only other time they threatened was van Dijk’s headed chance in the first half as Liverpool’s defence played well.

It is disappointing to lose the lead late in any game but there were more signs of encouragement in yesterday’s performance as Klopp’s influence becomes more noticeable with each game.

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