FK Rubin Kazan v Liverpool FC – pre-match opinion
Liverpool travelled to Kazan last tonight to prepare for tonight’s Europa League Group B match against FK Rubin Kazan in the Russian Republic of Tartarstan. Hopefully the welcome will be warmer than the current three degrees.
Jürgen Klopp will be hoping to achieve a hat-trick of wins after back-to-back victories over Bournemouth and Chelsea.
Word is that the manager has taken a full strength squad to Russia as he looks to improve on the current points haul of three from the three games played this far. In order to achieve this, first team regulars such as Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Mamadou Sakho have all travelled. In addition youngsters Pedro Chirvella, goalkeeper Ryan Fulton and Cameron Brannagan have also made the trip to the Kazan Stadium.
The approach taken by Klopp is in total contrast to his predecessor Brendan Rodgers who always took weakened teams in these fixtures. The German on the other hand is looking to get as best result as possible by fielding the best team possible. Given the team’s next game is on Sunday, they should have enough time to recover although the ability to prepare for the visit of Crystal Palace may be hampered somewhat. Not today’s problem.
During the pre game press conference, Klopp was asked about the possibility of Steven Gerrard’s return to Liverpool in January. A topic that has caused a stir among LFC fans on social media at the prospect of the ex-captain’s return. Something that I personally believe shouldn’t happen any time soon. The 48 year-old replied “If he wants to train, of course, no problem but nothing else…Our doors are always open…” To me this in no way implies that Gerrard will become part of the team. The return would be more for practice as the German commented.
For the life of me, I fail to see what the attraction would be to having the local lad turned favourite back in a playing capacity. To do that would simply be nothing but nostalgia and I’m not sure his presence would be good for the current group of players. Let the past stay there and move on. Perhaps one day in a coaching capacity but there’s plenty time for that. Plenty development required on both sides. Frankly, I’m not even sure that needs to be a topic when the team is trying to prepare for an important match. An unnecessary distraction in my opinion.
Away from my high horse, this will be a difficult game for Liverpool. It’s certain the hosts will be well supported and will be looking to progress themselves also. In terms of the visitors’ line up, I wouldn’t want to go any further than hope there is another start for Brannagan at right back and a debut for Chirvella in central midfield. Klopp was certainly playing his cards close to his chest in lat nights press conference so I, like the rest of the LFC support remain intrigued.
Enough talk and let the game begin. I’m quietly confident that the developing identity of the team can take a positive step forward. As the man says: believe.
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