5 games that defined Jurgen Klopp's first season at Liverpool
A glimmer of hope arose in the heart of the Anfield faithful when Jurgen Klopp was appointed to succeed Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager at the beginning of the season. The German's exploits at Borussia Dortmund, passion and the habit of wearing his heart on the sleeve were in direct synchronisation with what Liverpool, as a club, had been longing for many years. Seven months have passed and it can be said that Klopp has got Anfield buzzing again.
Although the Reds are languishing at eighth in the Premier League table, Liverpool made it to the League Cup final, which they lost to Manchester City on penalties, and will play Sevilla in the final of the Europa League on May 18 in Basel. Irrespective of whether they win or not, Liverpool are on the right path under Jurgen Klopp and the KOP has found its voice again.
It has taken a lot out of both Klopp and his players to get there, right from missing out on key players to keeping up with a gruelling schedule. However, some games have defined Klopp and his Liverpool side this season up till now. Let’s take a look at the top five of those:
1) Manchester City 1-4 Liverpool, Etihad Stadium, November 21, 2015
In what could arguably be described as Liverpool’s best performance under the German, the Reds hammered Manchester City 4-1 at the Etihad. City went into the game hoping to return to the top of the table but Liverpool had other plans and demolished them in the first half itself, racing to a 3-0 lead. The Brazilian duo of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino were on fire and got able support courtesy of solid performances from Emre Can and Adam Lallana.
Eliaquim Mangala turned Firmino’s cross into his own goal to set the ball rolling for Liverpool, who kept piling on the pressure. Coutinho, who was particularly special on the night, finished from Firmino’s pass to make it 2-0 to the away side. A sumptuous passing move, marked by a scintillating backheel from Emre Can, tripled the Reds’ lead as Firmino provided a finishing touch to a brilliant piece of play.
Aguero pulled one back for the home side in the first half with a world class finish but it did not prove to be enough and City could not find their way back. Martin Skrtel’s striker like finish in 81st minute capped off a brilliant night for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, showing how devastating the Reds could be when at their best.