Topic: Some insight and perspective on Jurgen Klopp

[jillcwhomever]

I think this is also a learning experience for Klopp, which I can understand. His players who have been here a lot longer probably don't have the same excuse.

I think he should be given a lot more time in order to get his ideas across, and also for himself to adapt to this league, as it is the first foreign league he's played and coached in. I'm sure that this would be a humbling experience for him for the most part, but I think he has the right personality and frame of mind to carry us forward.

And more to the point, I cannot think of a single manager I'd want to replace him with.

Some hope mate, a lot of people are not made like that anymore. Instant success is what some crave. Trouble with getting a coach like Klopp is, they expect it to happen in record time, and when they don't get it, its a slippery slope. I am a huge fan of Klopp the coach but I think his chances are slim. I am already resigned to the ending.

[Lycan]

We were lacking back up upfront in those Torres years yes but we could have sacrificed one of the defensive players against teams that were never going to hurt us and added a bit attacking threat.

The thing is we didn't really have much of an attacking threat who we could use instead of having two DM's when Torres was out. We had Dirk, David N'Gog, Keane(with all his fresh air shots for half a season) and Voronin. Three out of the four of them simply weren't good enough.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but if we managed to of kept hold of Crouch we'd of probably won that league.


By the way, technically, we didn't play two DM's. We mainly played Mascherano, who was your typical DM/destroyer and Alonso, who was more of a deep lying playmaker, in the middle of the park.

[Bend It Like Aurelio]

Some hope mate, a lot of people are not made like that anymore. Instant success is what some crave. Trouble with getting a coach like Klopp is, they expect it to happen in record time, and when they don't get it, its a slippery slope. I am a huge fan of Klopp the coach but I think his chances are slim. I am already resigned to the ending.

You must be fun at parties.

I think he will be given that chance. Simply because he's the first truly world class manager we've had since Rafa, and there really isn't anyone else who is a ready made replacement for us. I say this not facetiously, as this really is just about the best manager we would and could get in this moment in time. And if he doesn't work out, then really, we deserve to have Fat Sam run us into the ground. I see a lot of disapproval of his tactics recently, but there really aren't too many calling for his head, though many are urging him to improve.

All these United fans using the KloppOut hashtag have no idea.

[jillcwhomever]

You must be fun at parties.

I think he will be given that chance. Simply because he's the first truly world class manager we've had since Rafa, and there really isn't anyone else who is a ready made replacement for us. I say this not facetiously, as this really is just about the best manager we would and could get in this moment in time. And if he doesn't work out, then really, we deserve to have Fat Sam run us into the ground. I see a lot of disapproval of his tactics recently, but there really aren't too many calling for his head, though many are urging him to improve.

All these United fans using the KloppOut hashtag have no idea.

People would call me someone who saw everything with rose tinted glasses once, because I was always optimistic, when they just wanted to be miserable about everything. Believe me even now I am doing my best, but that's not the way a lot people want to be. I totally believe in the guy, he was one of my favourite coaches, long before he came here. We had a 300 page thread full of people who were longing for him to be our coach. He has been here 18 months and I know of people myself already who are questioning him. Even on here, everything he does gets questioned and disected. If you want a coach like Klopp you need to let him do what he does, but the trouble is its not the way people want to see him do it. That's the crux of the problem.

You mentioned Rafa which you were right to do, we all know what happened after that. But there are some out there, they just follow the crowd regardless. They seem incapable of holding a view of their own, just follow what the latest big mouth has to shout. The media pick it up, it all goes only one way. If we mess it up with this guy we deserve what we get, just like the last time. But it won't stop the idiots.

Let's hope it doesn't come to this, I have everything crossed believe me, but with the way football is now, you cannot rely on anything sadly. Anyway I will try and go back to being my optimistic self now.

[SinceSixtyFive]

People would call me someone who saw everything with rose tinted glasses once, because I was always optimistic, when they just wanted to be miserable about everything. Believe me even now I am doing my best, but that's not the way a lot people want to be. I totally believe in the guy, he was one of my favourite coaches, long before he came here. We had a 300 page thread full of people who were longing for him to be our coach. He has been here 18 months and I know of people myself already who are questioning him. Even on here, everything he does gets questioned and disected. If you want a coach like Klopp you need to let him do what he does, but the trouble is its not the way people want to see him do it. That's the crux of the problem.

You mentioned Rafa which you were right to do, we all know what happened after that. But there are some out there, they just follow the crowd regardless. They seem incapable of holding a view of their own, just follow what the latest big mouth has to shout. The media pick it up, it all goes only one way. If we mess it up with this guy we deserve what we get, just like the last time. But it won't stop the idiots.

Let's hope it doesn't come to this, I have everything crossed believe me, but with the way football is now, you cannot rely on anything sadly. Anyway I will try and go back to being my optimistic self now.

You must be fun at parties.

Sums up pretty much how I feel about things at the minute (including trying to "believe") - well said.

[Durlmints]

Does everyone here know something about JillC at parties or what?

[jillcwhomever]

Does everyone here know something about JillC at parties or what?

   I will say I get pissed after two drinks, because I am a lightweight.

[Bend It Like Aurelio]

Questioning a manager's tactics and results is nothing new. That is the standard the world over. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, nor is it such a big deal.

I think there's this idiom that Klopp is an omnipotent being when he came over in that business jet, touching down in Liverpool with crowds kissing the ground beneath his feet. And when the realisation of the fact that he's not perfect dawns on them, there will always be that shock of realising that Klopp the man is ultimately human. If one chooses to get off the bandwagon at this point, they are welcome to do so, much like Hammam has already (God bless his soul).

But it is different this time. Klopp, in all his press conference diatribes, has always taken responsibility of the results. He knows where he stands, and he knows results matter. None of this bullshit of inane and pretentious statements that some of our previous managers are known for. Therefore, you see less of the sharp edged commentary from the press you would have seen from years past referencing the work of our other managers. The tone is more restrained, even though this rough patch has been one of the most dire we've had in recent memory of this club.

The honeymoon is definitely over. But you feel like even the press is giving him more time to change things around. His second full season with Dortmund he finished 6th. I'm hoping that next season he emulates the feat he achieved in Dortmund on his 3rd season.

It's not that far fetched really.

[Anfield89]

The thing is we didn't really have much of an attacking threat who we could use instead of having two DM's when Torres was out. We had Dirk, David N'Gog, Keane(with all his fresh air shots for half a season) and Voronin. Three out of the four of them simply weren't good enough.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but if we managed to of kept hold of Crouch we'd of probably won that league.


By the way, technically, we didn't play two DM's. We mainly played Mascherano, who was your typical DM/destroyer and Alonso, who was more of a deep lying playmaker, in the middle of the park.

I knew that'd come up but It was two deep lying players which was unessasary in certain games. Signing shite as backup to Torres was also a big issue.

[Lycan]

I knew that'd come up but It was two deep lying players which was unessasary in certain games. Signing shite as backup to Torres was also a big issue.

Alright then, who should we have played instead of Alonso(playmaker) or Mascherano(DM), who would've guaranteed us wins instead of all those draws against the lesser teams?

The lack of backup for Torres was what cost us that season. Not the duo of Masch and Alonso. In fact, what I'd fucking give to have those two as our midfield duo now.

[God's Left Peg]

I think this is also a learning experience for Klopp, which I can understand. His players who have been here a lot longer probably don't have the same excuse.

I think he should be given a lot more time in order to get his ideas across, and also for himself to adapt to this league, as it is the first foreign league he's played and coached in. I'm sure that this would be a humbling experience for him for the most part, but I think he has the right personality and frame of mind to carry us forward.

And more to the point, I cannot think of a single manager I'd want to replace him with.

Good post. The dust is settling now and I like your thinking. I have been pissed off since Monday but reading that gave me just a tiny glimmer of optimism.

[McrRed]

Are there really people ready to turn on the boss already?  Fucking madness. Every bit as mad as the fools that didn't know what we had with Rafa and were actually glad to see him out the door.

I'd like to echo the sentiment that if our fan base were to empower the owners to remove Klopp, we lose any right to moral high ground regarding of how we get behind our club.

My mind actually boggles at the thought.

That said, questioning why he does X or sticks with Y  during such a bad run of form is;

1. Totally natural.
2. Probably just the same questions JK and his back room staff are asking themselves.
3.  IMO, our right as emotionally invested fans and supporters.

Doing it respectfully and in support rather than persecution of the manager is key though.

I despise the accusations I get automatically as a Liverpool fan that I live in the past.  I don't. At no point this season did I think we were genuinely on for the title.  I always knew we would have a downturn and always though it would be January due to how much impact Mane has had on our ability to beat the weaker teams.  Ive never thought we had a god given right to win anything despite my introduction to the reds being the days of the Dalglish double and such  greats as Rush and Barnes.

I bring this up as I think anyone ready to call time on Klopp is totally guilty of that very thing. Of living in the past thinking we aren't exactly were we belong right now.  We don't "belong" at the top. That position has to be earnt. Kicking and screaming. Fighting for every little improvement.

Improving by ditching Klopp.. yeah good luck with that.

Belting post, that.

[jillcwhomever]

Belting post, that.

It is that.

[mattD]

I'm sick fed up of managers constantly getting the blame - if Liverpool had the right squad, I'd be confident Jurgen would succeed.

An average squad makes a manager look average. He needs the right mix of experience and potential. We are realising that many young players who arrived here don't have as much potential as was thought.

It took seven years for Ferguson to get up and running with United. Personally, I'm willing to give Klopp all the time he thinks he needs.

[kingz]

To be fair Rafa struggled against shitty sides as well. Just look at our results in 08/09 with what was the best team we had since we last won the league.

IMO it was down to lack of creative wingers and depth but anyhow my point is he cared about balance every game more than anything else to limit the quality of chances the opposition get .. With Klopp it seems he dont think smaller teams will cause us much trouble. The Bournemouth game for example we were winning 3-1 and the two fullbacks and the midfielders were high up the field and it happened also against Sunderland, Swansea and others .. i am not knowledgeable as most posters here but even against smaller teams 3 players behind the ball is not enough especially if the team is low on confidence?..

[killer-heels]

IMO it was down to lack of creative wingers and depth but anyhow my point is he cared about balance every game more than anything else to limit the quality of chances the opposition get .. With Klopp it seems he dont think smaller teams will cause us much trouble. The Bournemouth game for example we were winning 3-1 and the two fullbacks and the midfielders were high up the field and it happened also against Sunderland, Swansea and others .. i am not knowledgeable as most posters here but even against smaller teams 3 players behind the ball is not enough especially if the team is low on confidence?..

I agree there is a lack of balance. The fact is that if we want to achieve anything we have to be able to defend. We are on for conceding over 50 goals again this season and that frankly is not good enough, regardless of how people spin it in terms of our attacking.

We have to improve the defence. In my opinion both Rodgers and Klopp have kind of neglected that side of it for too long. People then wonder why we dont win stuff.

[SerbianScouser]

Next season under Klopp we are going to be absolutely sensational in the Champions League if we qualify.

Since he took over it's 19 games against the Top 7 sides and only 1 single defeat. Tons of wins, goals and consistently good performance. All the constant talk from Klopp about importance of work on the training ground to develop, pre-seasons fruits of which is unfortunately only visible in games against big teams who generally prefer to pass the ball around on the floor.

Also not only are we successful in these games we also happen to defend quite competently unlike the games of different type. I can totally see us making some serious waves in Europe next season due to our set-up that is almost made for European football.

[rscanderlech]

Next season under Klopp we are going to be absolutely sensational in the Champions League if we qualify.

Since he took over it's 19 games against the Top 7 sides and only 1 single defeat. Tons of wins, goals and consistently good performance. All the constant talk from Klopp about importance of work on the training ground to develop, pre-seasons fruits of which is unfortunately only visible in games against big teams who generally prefer to pass the ball around on the floor.

Also not only are we successful in these games we also happen to defend quite competently unlike the games of different type. I can totally see us making some serious waves in Europe next season due to our set-up that is almost made for European football.

It's quite possible that we would indeed do very well. However, there are two issues: 1) we HAVE to learn to manage games. A part of that is to actually improve our defence, and to sign a midfielder who is able to control the tempo, and another part is training, and the last is mentality. 2) We are so inconsistent against teams that defend tightly, and, frankly, not good enough at opening them up unless we outrun them like mad, that we may not even make it to the top 4.

[Giono]

Next season under Klopp we are going to be absolutely sensational in the Champions League if we qualify.

Since he took over it's 19 games against the Top 7 sides and only 1 single defeat. Tons of wins, goals and consistently good performance. All the constant talk from Klopp about importance of work on the training ground to develop, pre-seasons fruits of which is unfortunately only visible in games against big teams who generally prefer to pass the ball around on the floor.

Also not only are we successful in these games we also happen to defend quite competently unlike the games of different type. I can totally see us making some serious waves in Europe next season due to our set-up that is almost made for European football.

We are going to need fullbacks.

[rscanderlech]

We are going to need fullbacks.

And a centre back.

And a midfielder who can defend better than our current ones.
And/or a midfielder who can slow the tempo better than our current ones.

And another winger.

And probably another striker.

And some would say, a goalkeeper.

[Giono]

And a centre back.

And a midfielder who can defend better than our current ones.
And/or a midfielder who can slow the tempo better than our current ones.

And another winger.

And probably another striker.

And some would say, a goalkeeper.

We could have put this game away early today with better wingbacks. Clyne was wasteful and Milner was not a factor. Yet our tactics emphasise attacking fullbacks. Against attacking top 6 sides we get away with it. Against bottom teams that are content to crowd our front 3 we don't.

[rscanderlech]

We could have put this game away early today with better wingbacks. Clyne was wasteful and Milner was not a factor. Yet our tactics emphasise attacking fullbacks. Against attacking top 6 sides we get away with it. Against bottom teams that are content to crowd our front 3 we don't.

There is no doubt about this. My only point was that we are weak or thin in quite a few other areas too.

[hesbighesred]

We could have put this game away early today with better wingbacks. Clyne was wasteful and Milner was not a factor. Yet our tactics emphasise attacking fullbacks. Against attacking top 6 sides we get away with it. Against bottom teams that are content to crowd our front 3 we don't.

I agree with this. I don't think they get picked on that much when the blame flies around, but Milner has the ability but slows us down quite often cutting in, wheras with Clyne teams are happy to basically give him the whole right hand side because he's very limited on the ball. If Alexander-Arnold gets in and has a few good games I think it will be very tough for Clyne to dislodge him. We definitely need an upgrade on Moreno, it'd be brilliant if next season Milner was basically competition and cover for both full-back slots, no full-back assured of their place because any drop in form would see us with a quality replacement.

[Giono]

There is no doubt about this. My only point was that we are weak or thin in quite a few other areas too.

I agree. We need a few players, but a lot of folks think we don't need a right fullback that list, but we do.

[rscanderlech]

I agree. We need a few players, but a lot of folks think we don't need a right fullback that list, but we do.

Yes, it's true. But I like the idea of focusing on building a spine, first. I would be surprised if Klopp looked for a right back this summer when we literally don't have a left back (unless Moreno counts as a left back), need a CB, a GK, don't have a defensively good midfielder, don't have a playmaker, only have one 'winger' or proper wide forward in the team, and only have one fit striker. Maybe the following summer, though.

[tboz]

The only thing that has slightly concerned me with Klopp has been his squad management and Match management.

Apart from Mane I cant think of another signing which has been an improvement on a player we already have .

How he has decided to manage match fixtures has also been surprising, I think we had a real opportunity of getting to 2 cups finals this year yet we did not seem to prioritise them, worrying about fixture congestion yet we ended up adding more games to that schedule.

I expect at the end of the season we will see some big decisions made in terms of personnel and it feels like he is going to have to start from scratch rather than build on this year.

[alvaro]

I think that one of the problems we have had this season is the lack of bench options. Today it was a problem because we had to play a big chunk of the second half with Can on a yellow card as our only contention. The squad is still weak, we need to remember that when judging Klopp.

[alvaro]

The only thing that has slightly concerned me with Klopp has been his squad management and Match management.

Apart from Mane I cant think of another signing which has been an improvement on a player we already have .

How he has decided to manage match fixtures has also been surprising, I think we had a real opportunity of getting to 2 cups finals this year yet we did not seem to prioritise them, worrying about fixture congestion yet we ended up adding more games to that schedule.

I expect at the end of the season we will see some big decisions made in terms of personnel and it feels like he is going to have to start from scratch rather than build on this year.

I feel most of the money is going to be spent adding more depth to the squad than on improving our best XI . Also don't expect a big signing , expect players that fit in the system we like to play. We are lacking depth on every part of the pitch. Every time we lose a starter the team suffers too much.

[cress]

I feel most of the money is going to be spent adding more depth to the squad than on improving our best XI . Also don't expect a big signing , expect players that fit in the system we like to play. We are lacking depth on every part of the pitch. Every time we lose a starter the team suffers too much.

Improving the 1st 11 actually improves the depth. This is where we need to be spending and I'd imagine that's what Klopp will do.

[Weytske]

Improving the 1st 11 actually improves the depth. This is where we need to be spending and I'd imagine that's what Klopp will do.

Exactly, just like he did last summer by bringing in Matip, Wijnaldum and Mané. Even Karius was intended to improve our first 11 but just didn't work out that way (for now). I expect more of the same next summer. Maybe not players who will walk in our starting line up straight away because our current first 11 is pretty strong when on song but still the quality you expect to keep others sharp and to take their chance and fight for their place when called upon.

[cdav]

Improving the 1st 11 actually improves the depth. This is where we need to be spending and I'd imagine that's what Klopp will do.

Definitely.

Add a quality centre back and we have Lovren as third choice with Klaven and Gomez as back up- this is much stronger than we currently have (Lucas and Klaven have both played too many games).

Add a quality left back who can start or we can rotate with Milner, freeing up Milner to provide depth elsewhere in the squad/ be rested (I can't see him playing 55 games at left back next year).

Add another quality starting midfielder and we can rotate with Lallana, Wijnaldum and Can.

Add another quality winger and we can rotate with Coutinho (or play him deeper if required) and Mane. It will also stop us moving Lallana/ Firmino wide and out of their best positions.

Add another quality centre forward and Firmino can get a rest/ rotate if he is out of form.

Five really good additions could add lots of depth and options this summer, with a mixture of first team players and people to challenge. I've got absolutely no problem if any of the current best 11 drop to the bench next year- it will mean we have bought a really good player and improved our squad strength.

[elbobo]

Hate the term "improve squad depth".

Should sign players that's are better than we've got and improve starting 11. Then those currently starting become the "depth". It's the only way to improve. Bulking the squad for sake of it isn't going to help.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

will be interesting to see what Klopp does summer with the current players and who he brings in. Despite having a chance to see last year how the fixtures pile up, he did not prepare well enough for January, he even acknowledged at the start of the season that its the most crucial part.

Echo today reported that he wants Can to stay, and that all contract talks will be dealt at the end of the season. Prevjous reports suggested that can wanted to increase his wages from 35k to 70k, todays report is saying that he is seeking 100k.

We need to improve our starting XI regardless

[killer-heels]

will be interesting to see what Klopp does summer with the current players and who he brings in. Despite having a chance to see last year how the fixtures pile up, he did not prepare well enough for January, he even acknowledged at the start of the season that its the most crucial part.

Echo today reported that he wants Can to stay, and that all contract talks will be dealt at the end of the season. Prevjous reports suggested that can wanted to increase his wages from 35k to 70k, todays report is saying that he is seeking 100k.

We need to improve our starting XI regardless

Its questionable that he is worth 70k, let alone 100k. That said, we seem to be experts in pissing money up the wall for players who dont deserve it.

[DHKopper]

We should fuck Can right off if he's after anything near 100k a week.  Mind you it's probably media bullshit anyway.

[Dim Glas]

The only thing that has slightly concerned me with Klopp has been his squad management and Match management.

Apart from Mane I cant think of another signing which has been an improvement on a player we already have .

How he has decided to manage match fixtures has also been surprising, I think we had a real opportunity of getting to 2 cups finals this year yet we did not seem to prioritise them, worrying about fixture congestion yet we ended up adding more games to that schedule.

I expect at the end of the season we will see some big decisions made in terms of personnel and it feels like he is going to have to start from scratch rather than build on this year.

I honestly can't believe you don't think Wijnaldum and Matip are better than players that where already here. They along with Mane have instantly become 3 of our best players. That's really how it is.  Wijnaldum along with Lallana are our two best midfielders, Matip is our best central defender. 

I think as for managing fixtures, I was dissapointed in what he did with the FA Cup, but I just think it was just cos we where so overwhelmed in January, and that is the month that may well have made him realise that this squad is so lacking in depth, that they just couldn't cope. So he made the decision to do what he did. I had no problem if we'd sacked the league cup off, but I guess we'd got so far, that they tried to get over the last semi final hurdle. Sadly, everything went wrong.

I don't see how he starts from scratch. that makes no sense to me, that people would think that.  The basis is there, but for sure they need to look at getting 2 or 3 who can compete from the get go for the starting 11, not just players who can play a squad role.

[jillcwhomever]

Maybe some need a bit of a reminder as to how far we have come already under the manager.

Klopp's quick century proves his Liverpool reign heading in the right direction

German coach is the third quickest in terms of Reds managers to clock up 100 top-flight points

Liverpool have had to adjust their aspirations this season.

Talk of a title challenge was silenced by a miserable winter slump which saw them dumped out of both domestic cups and fall off the pace in the Premier League.

Now it’s all about the top four - Champions League or bust. Jurgen Klopp recently admitted that anything less than qualification for Europe’s elite club competition and he would struggle to convince anyone that this campaign had been a success.

Progress hasn’t been plain sailing with the Reds’ inconsistency epitomised by last week’s starkly contrasting performances against Leicester City and Arsenal. Nobody can be quite sure which Liverpool will turn up against Burnley at Anfield on Sunday.

If Liverpool play with the energy, the desire, the pace and the intelligence they showed against the Gunners then the Clarets will be sent packing. But if there’s any repeat of the lethargy and the errors which blighted the recent defeats to Hull and Leicester then Kopites will be in for a long afternoon.

The Reds’ patchy form since the turn of the year - they have taken just nine points out of a possible 24 - has exposed the limitations of Klopp’s squad with the focus very much on what needs to be addressed in the transfer market this summer.

But a milestone the German coach clocked up with that victory over Arsenal last weekend provided a timely reminder of how far Liverpool have already travelled under his stewardship.

Klopp’s 57th Premier League game in charge of the Reds saw him reach the 100-point mark. Converting the record of every Liverpool boss to three points for a win, only two Reds managers have ever reached a century of points in fewer top-flight matches than Klopp.

Kenny Dalglish got there quickest in 48 games with David Ashworth, who led the Reds to the league championship back in 1921-22, taking 56 matches. Klopp’s tally of 57 games is the same as the legendary Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan.

When you consider the club’s pantheon of managerial greats - coupled with the fact that Klopp clearly prioritised the Europa League in the closing months of last season - that statistic is impressive.

Yes, there have been bumps along the way, not least losing two cup finals and then throwing away momentum after such a flying start to this campaign, but Liverpool are still heading in the right direction.

Klopp is building something at Anfield. The foundations are there. He still needs an injection of quality to take Liverpool to the next level. But there's good reason to believe that his next century of points for the Reds will be accumulated even quicker.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/klopps-quick-century-proves-liverpool-12719947#ICID=

[thisyearisouryear]

Hate the term "improve squad depth".

Should sign players that's are better than we've got and improve starting 11. Then those currently starting become the "depth". It's the only way to improve. Bulking the squad for sake of it isn't going to help.

Makes sense this. Bulking the squad, so to say, with non-starters should be only done through youth players.
I usually hate transfer windows but this time I am really curious what we will do. Klopp has had enough time to thoroughly assess the squad and his recent comments hint at some serious spending in the summer.

So far amongst Klopp's signings, Mane, Matip and to an extent, Wijnaldum have been a definite improvement in first XI. Would expect at least 3 more starting XI players - one each in defense, midfield and forward positions.

[Dim Glas]

Maybe some need a bit of a reminder as to how far we have come already under the manager.

Klopp's quick century proves his Liverpool reign heading in the right direction

German coach is the third quickest in terms of Reds managers to clock up 100 top-flight points

(snipped for space)

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/klopps-quick-century-proves-liverpool-12719947#ICID=

Thanks for posting 

Amazing really, and as pointed out in that article, even more so, cos he clearly prioritised Europea League over the league later last season.

I'm just thankful that he was willing to take on this job, cos it really isn't the easiest. But he's never done anything the easy way, so I'm not that suprised! Hopefully he continues to get backed on and off the pitch, this man is worth sticking by and supporting. 

[xbugawugax]

Maybe some need a bit of a reminder as to how far we have come already under the manager.

Klopp's quick century proves his Liverpool reign heading in the right direction

German coach is the third quickest in terms of Reds managers to clock up 100 top-flight points

Liverpool have had to adjust their aspirations this season.

Talk of a title challenge was silenced by a miserable winter slump which saw them dumped out of both domestic cups and fall off the pace in the Premier League.

Now it’s all about the top four - Champions League or bust. Jurgen Klopp recently admitted that anything less than qualification for Europe’s elite club competition and he would struggle to convince anyone that this campaign had been a success.

Progress hasn’t been plain sailing with the Reds’ inconsistency epitomised by last week’s starkly contrasting performances against Leicester City and Arsenal. Nobody can be quite sure which Liverpool will turn up against Burnley at Anfield on Sunday.

If Liverpool play with the energy, the desire, the pace and the intelligence they showed against the Gunners then the Clarets will be sent packing. But if there’s any repeat of the lethargy and the errors which blighted the recent defeats to Hull and Leicester then Kopites will be in for a long afternoon.

The Reds’ patchy form since the turn of the year - they have taken just nine points out of a possible 24 - has exposed the limitations of Klopp’s squad with the focus very much on what needs to be addressed in the transfer market this summer.

But a milestone the German coach clocked up with that victory over Arsenal last weekend provided a timely reminder of how far Liverpool have already travelled under his stewardship.

Klopp’s 57th Premier League game in charge of the Reds saw him reach the 100-point mark. Converting the record of every Liverpool boss to three points for a win, only two Reds managers have ever reached a century of points in fewer top-flight matches than Klopp.

Kenny Dalglish got there quickest in 48 games with David Ashworth, who led the Reds to the league championship back in 1921-22, taking 56 matches. Klopp’s tally of 57 games is the same as the legendary Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan.

When you consider the club’s pantheon of managerial greats - coupled with the fact that Klopp clearly prioritised the Europa League in the closing months of last season - that statistic is impressive.

Yes, there have been bumps along the way, not least losing two cup finals and then throwing away momentum after such a flying start to this campaign, but Liverpool are still heading in the right direction.

Klopp is building something at Anfield. The foundations are there. He still needs an injection of quality to take Liverpool to the next level. But there's good reason to believe that his next century of points for the Reds will be accumulated even quicker.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/klopps-quick-century-proves-liverpool-12719947#ICID=

great to know.

but there was a report somewhere that el kloppo record was worse than rodgers in the first 50 matches. kind of weird

anyway. hope for 3 points today to point us in the right direction again.