Klopp: 'I'm six times happier than last season'

Before the match against Newcastle in round 20 of the Premier League, coach Jurgen Klopp expressed his satisfaction with Liverpool's current form, especially compared to what happened at the same period last season.

The start of 2023 was arguably one of Liverpool’s worst under Klopp, as they finished sixth and didn’t win a Premier League game until mid-February, losing twice to Brighton and a 3-0 defeat away at Wolves.

But Liverpool are closing out 2023 in style. They are top of the table with 42 points, two ahead of second-placed Arsenal and five points ahead of defending champions Manchester City. "I'm six times happier than at the same time last season," Klopp said ahead of the match at Anfield on Monday, January 1, 2024. "It was a terrible time. We were sixth, and we were in danger of being seventh or eighth. Now it feels better. This season we are in a position to compete for something, and we just have to give our best."

Coach Klopp shakes hands with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool drew 0-0 with Man Utd at Anfield in round 17 of the Premier League on December 17. Photo: AFP — Coach Klopp shakes hands with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool drew 0-0 with Man Utd at Anfield in round 17 of the Premier League on December 17. Photo: *AFP*

Klopp said the difference was partly due to Liverpool's improved defensive ability. "The problem always arises when you lose the ball too much. Like this season, we conceded 16 goals, about eight or nine of them were because we lost the ball. Last season it was more serious," the German coach analyzed. "This season, we have solved the problem, especially with the ability to counter-attack. The fact that the players react faster to the situation really means a lot. If you feel the midfield and the attack are ready to wait for the counter-attack, you can see the opportunity to pass the ball forward. We work very hard to do that. Actually, last season we did the same. It's just that the effect everyone creates is better now."

However, like most of the top English teams, Liverpool also face personnel concerns in the coming time. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has only just returned to training, since a knee injury in the match against Sheffield United in early December. Meanwhile, Japanese defensive midfielder Wataru Endo is about to join up with Japan for the Asian Cup after the match against Newcastle. Mo Salah also has to return to serve Egypt in the African Cup.

Klopp said there was no plan other than to use the remaining players, and stressed that this was not the first time Liverpool had been in a similar situation - it had been even worse before, losing Sadio Mane. "We have to get through it," he said.

Lam Thoa

Source link