[tps_header]Jurgen Klopp has arrived at Anfield. It’s official. Even though it wasn’t much of a secret from the outset, I’m glad it was all done swiftly.
The pressure will be on him to take Liverpool to glory and also to prove to the world that his success at Dortmund wasn’t a fluke. He’ll understandably have the hunger and desire to drive the club forward.
I try to outline some of the things he needs to do in the near future. [/tps_header]
1. [tps_title]Be positive at Tottenham[/tps_title]
First and foremost, have a real go at Tottenham. It’s his 1st game at the club. The fans are not going to turn on him if he loses. They will be more interested in the performance of the team. Klopp needs to be aware of that. He should set his team out to play expansive intense football rather than trying to go away and get a point or something like that. Ensure your performance isn’t dull. A good performance at White Heart Lane will lift the spirits at the football club and that is what they desperately need.
2.[tps_title] Don’t be an idiot [/tps_title]
I know this sounds harsh, but towards the end of his reign Brendan Rodgers was being exactly that. His lineups and tactics were often baffling and begged belief. Klopp has to be smarter than that. Don’t start Benteke and bench your most exciting winger (Jordan Ibe). If you start a strong Centre Forward, you need to supply him with crosses. It’s as simple as that.
Don’t overcomplicate the game under the pretext of “technical football” and things like that. Devise a system suited to your most important players. (Sturridge, Benteke, Ibe, Coutinho) Play players in their best positions. No more Firminho out wide or Ibe at wing back please. Don’t try to fix square pegs in round holes.
3. [tps_title]Be honest[/tps_title]
The fans are probably crying out for honesty from their manager by now. When you aren’t good enough on the day, admit it. Especially if it happens very often. You will have your time to sort your team out, but don’t try to protect your players after an awful performance like the one in LFC’s shootout win in the Carling cup. Don’t go around praising them when they’re clearly putting in mediocre performances.
In essence, say everything Rodgers never dared to.
No more £20m on flop CBs and unproven mediocre talents. Get good players in. Proven match winners if possible. I know it’s easier said than done, but he needs to invest wisely in the squad. There are already too many players who aren’t good enough to take LFC where they want to be. He needs to flush them out 1st.
5. [tps_title]Bring back STVG! [/tps_title]
I’m sure everybody in the world would agree that he’s still got a lot to give to the club. Both on and off the pitch. If Klopp shows serious interest, there can be little doubt that STVG will pack his bags and head back to Merseyside. The pull of guiding his boyhood club into a new era will simply be too tempting to say “NO” to.
6. [tps_title]Take the cups seriously.[/tps_title]
It’s his 1st season. There’s no way he’s winning the league. The best he can hope for is a Top 4
In a scenario like this, he shouldn’t make the mistake of undermining any competition. Go and try to win them. Capital One Cup, TheFAcup and even the Europa league. The fact that Europa league winners get an automatic qualification to CL will be a big attraction.
If he can improve the level of performances of the team, which he most certainly will, then they genuinely have a chance of finishing 4th AND winning a trophy!
That won’t be such a bad season, would it?
How do you think his time at the Kop will plan out? Will he be a success?
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