After winning the Champions League in 2019, the first Premier League title in 30 years, and two cups last season, it can be concluded that the signing of Jurgen Klopp as manager has been a success for Liverpool so far. But now comes the first real crisis. The Reds have had an extremely difficult start to the current season. However, the German seems to have a secure job. And this is not without good reason!
The current campaign has already had a lot to offer, but the sporting highlight of the year still awaits the world of international football. In a few weeks, the 2022 World Cup will start in Qatar. These major sporting events are also especially interesting for all lovers of sports betting. Bookmakers offer lucrative odds and World Cup betting offersso that football fans can benefit even more from this great event.
A possibly bad start: Jurgen Klopp and the cursed seventh year?
Currently, the team is going through its biggest crisis since coach Klopp took over. The former Mainz manager has been at the helm of the team for seven years and has so far achieved impressive success without any major setbacks. Klopp is revered in Liverpool. And not only here: in his home country, Germany, people love him. It is not surprising that he has been considered several times for the German national team. But the bad start to the season is also affecting him.
The battle for the championship is already lost. The gap to the top of the table is too large.. Instead, the goals have been reformulated. The return of realism should bring new momentum and take pressure off the team. Qualifying for the Champions League is still a must, of course. That should be possible in any case.
The relationship of trust between coach and players
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have been a good match from the start. Over the course of the seven years that Klopp has been on Merseyside, he has built a team that he trusts completely. The same is true the other way around.
Especially in difficult times, like the ones the club is going through, a greater relationship of trust between the team and the coach helps. Problems can be communicated openly and honestly. Everyone knows each other and can assess strengths and weaknesses very well. This is a good starting point for addressing problems.
The contract extension in April this year does the rest. Even before the season started, the club’s management showed great confidence in the man at the helm. This also unequivocally showed the team that the entire club is building a future with Klopp. A great sign of trust. In short: The players follow him. The club’s management trusts him. Consequently, the so-called question of the coach does not arise at all.
READ MORE: James Pearce sees Liverpool star ‘having fun’ with Jurgen Klopp during the first half
Jurgen Klopp is the personification of ambition
The 55-year-old coach is known above all for his emotional way of coaching on the sidelines, which is an expression of his incredible ambition. Where other people would have given up long ago, Klopp is always searching and finding new solutions. An important feature for the current situation of Liverpool.
As often as the 55-year-old was celebrated for his emotional nature, he was also criticized for it. Whether in duels with referees or with himself, Klopp remains full of ambition for the club and his work.
Historically, the coach could to transfer his way of being to the team. No team’s style of play fits their character as well as the Reds’ in recent years: aggressive, fast and emotional. So it seems only a matter of time before the switch can be toggled on players again.
The great composure of Jurgen Klopp
Despite the unsatisfying season so far, there is little sign of panic in the Reds’ entourage. This is mostly thanks to Klopp. Of course, he is aware of the seriousness of the situation. However, the German coach manages to radiate optimism and a certain serenity. His players benefit from this.
It gives them the feeling that they know what is missing and what needs to be worked on. To a certain extent, it even seems to have foreseen the problems that are currently occurring and is therefore able to assess them well. Of course, now there is pressure. However, it is always there and new solutions are worked on with a lot of pressure and optimism.
Liverpool is the right team for the manager
Fans and pundits have been puzzling over the causes of our drop in performance for weeks. There is talk of a lack of mentality, wrong tactics or even a failed transfer policy.
Ultimately, an unwelcome condition could play into Liverpool’s hands. Due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the current season will have an unusually long break in the winter. A great opportunity to reinvent the team and try different tactics.
Nevertheless, some players will travel to the World Cup themselves with their national teams. Among others, regular goalkeeper Alisson Becker, captain Jordan Henderson, forward Bobby Firmino and defender Virgil van Dijk will be missing.
At the same time, this could present an opportunity for the rest of the team. Players who have had little game time so far could prove themselves and get a breath of fresh air.
Ep63 of The Empire of the Kop podcast: Klopp’s ridiculous accusations of xenophobia, Núñez shining… and more!
