Tottenham Hotspurs FC v Liverpool FC – Match preview
Liverpool travel down to north London tomorrow for new manager Jürgen Klopp’s first match in charge of his new team.
It seems like a long time ago that the fans and club alike were reeling after the sacking of Brendan Rodgers. Now the moody gloom has been replaced by boundless confidence. What a difference a week makes in football? Indeed in the space of a fortnight, the atmosphere and expectation has totally change.
However, like the saying goes: with pleasure always comes a little pain. One could of course argue that the loss of both Joe Gomez and Danny Ings both to the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament represents more than a little pain. Both have been stand out performers for Liverpool since their arrival in the summer. This in addition to injuries to Christian Benteke (hamstring), Jordan Henderson (foot) and Roberto Firmino (back) means a severely depleted squad for Klopp to choose from. I hear at this moment that young Jordan Rossiter is also injured now with a hamstring problem. Oh joy of joys!
In attack, choices are limited so I’d go for Jordan Ibe and Adam Lallana either side of Philippe Coutinho, supporting Daniel Sturridge as the loan striker.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the fresh vigour the manager has appeared to instill in the team presents itself. It’s early days for sure but for me, the quoted three requirements of “run, run and run!” can’t be too difficult for your average top flight footballer to grasp, and one could argue Liverpool have plenty average footballers!
Up until now, the furor surrounding Klopp’s appointment has been bordering on manic and even the fact that he was pictured having a smoke hasn’t seemed to do anything to dent his initial celebrity. Not that smoking makes any difference. I smoke myself and find the attention given to it is frankly rediculous. Cigarettes are covered up in the shop but you can go and buy booze, get drunk and fight in the street as much as you like. Nice! A discussion for another day perhaps but in any case, it’s good that there’s been no hysteria over it.
Back to football, I don’t underestimate the suggestion that this is a BIG game for Jürgen Klopp. A result of some discription is a must. Personally, I’d settle for a draw away from home against Liverpool’s most realistic rivals these days. The manager’s message is clear.
During yesterday’s press conference, the ex-Dortmund boss called for his player to support one another. To enjoy the game but most of all to show more bravery. The latter is paramount and is what has been severely lacking in recent weeks. A team performance is a must in order to keep the momentum going. Klopp quite rightly said when asked about feeling the “love” from the supporters since his arrival: “Love me after the match. That’s much more what I want!” Quite right too. Now it’s time for the players to make that happen.
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