Ronald Koeman hails Jurgen Klopp as the only attacking manager of a top club
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is quite impressed with Liverpool’s recent prowess and is of the opinion that Jurgen Klopp is the only manager in English top flight football, who “dares” to play the attacking game. After going through troubled times Liverpool have made a heartening comeback, with Klopp’s side defeating Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City 4-1 at the Etihad and demolishing Southampton 6-1 at St. Mary’s.
Inspite of being on the receiving end of a 6-1 defeat in the quarter finals of the League Cup on Wednesday, Koeman is impressed by the style of play that Liverpool have adopted under the newly appointed Jugen Klopp. "Jurgen Klopp plays real attacking football - the kind of football the public wants to see," said the Southampton boss.
According to Koeman, Liverpool play a kind of football that is different from the rest of the big names of the English Premier League. The Dutchman feels that clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea drop back and are set up to counter attack.
"Their intentions are totally different. They all drop back a bit, they wait for a mistake and then come out to attack. That is not what I call taking initiative. They don't want to be dominant or attack, despite all the quality they have."
Liverpool are now nine points behind Leicester City who sit at the top of the league table with 32 points from 15 games. Given their improved form, Liverpool are now being touted to have a say near the top of the table. Koeman belives Klopp to be a breath of fresh air for an otherwise dull Premier League.
"What Klopp does right now in football in this country is so refreshing. His approach is really what the Premier League needs," added Koeman.
"Physically and defensively the Premier League is the best in the world, but there are hardly any big teams who are prepared to play proper attacking and entertaining football.
"What Klopp now brings to England will raise the level of football and will make games more attractive for the fans." Koeman believes.
Jurgen Klopp placed Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Christian Benteke on the bench in the game against Southampton. It speaks very highly of the squad depth that Liverpool have, a factor that Koeman believes will help Klopp compete.
"This is why Liverpool could compete with the best clubs now that Klopp has them playing so great," said Koeman.
"I have always admired coaches who have the guts to go forward so much. Klopp is not passive. He does not wait. He wants his team to be the boss on the pitch and go for it.”