Competition for places is only going to get more fierce as Klopp made seven changes for the trip to Sky Bet Championship side Derby yet they still won comfortably. The defeat at Burnley though was a worrying sign of a repeat of last season’s lack of consistency and a game at home to Hull will be a test of Liverpool’s ability to dispose of the lesser teams in the division, and record an expected win.
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It was a match Klopp’s side, on the back of beating the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, were expected to comfortably win against the Clarets – but it turned out to be anything but, despite them dominating in terms of possession and chances created. “Everybody has their role”, Klopp said. “That’s a process we have to learn”. I don’t think he has been as poor as some people make out. Stay patient, stay positive – that’s really important. They defended with all they had, it’s the same with Hull.
“If everybody gives us this in 90 minutes, 95 minutes, the chance of winning is much greater”.
“We have two very strong goalkeepers and we think about how they can perform and how their specific skills can help the team”.
“Do we say, OK, Loris had the game against Derby. We just need to get it sorted”. “I know we will ready”.
The back four now picks itself, but Can’s comeback increases the competition in midfield, with Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum also left out of the squad to face Derby, while Sadio Mane (also rested) is certain to get a recall to the forward line for Saturday’s visit of Hull, which means Sturridge could find himself on the bench again.
“I think I address the situation when I think is the right moment”. On Sturridge, the manager revealed he only returned to training on Thursday after a knock against Chelsea, although he should be fit in time, per Pearce. “He had a few issues after Chelsea and didn’t train”, Klopp said. No need to try anything with him [vs Derby].
It is early days but nine goals in two home appearances suggest the players are no longer impaired by fans’ expectation and the new-look old ground is starting to resemble a fortress again.
The former Dortmund manager is facing a selection headache of their clash, with both keepers available.
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‘I watched the draw live because I had watched the game before. West Ham v Chelsea made me smile, United v City – nice. But, of course, I don’t know who will play at the weekend and what will happen [before] the weekend.
