Liverpool’s supporting cast must improve to meet Klopptimism’s promise
Domestic drama will soon consume the soccer spotlight once more, with the protagonist of the coming weekend being Liverpool’s new motivator in chief, Jurgen Klopp. Exchanging Brendan Rodgers’ pre- and post-match rehearsals on ‘mentality’ for the German giant’s energetic charisma has already drawn positive reviews from the British press-pack, but […]

Domestic drama will soon consume the soccer spotlight once more, with the protagonist of the coming weekend being Liverpool’s new motivator in chief, Jurgen Klopp. Exchanging Brendan Rodgers’ pre- and post-match rehearsals on ‘mentality’ for the German giant’s energetic charisma has already drawn positive reviews from the British press-pack, but will the trade of ‘hunting in packs’ for the famed ‘gegenpress’ win any serious tactical accolades?

Klopp will have reconciled himself to the facts that he only has one fit player of Champions League quality to work with in his first week of competitive action (that being Philippe Coutinho), and all the expensive underachievement that caused Rodgers’ sacking makes Liverpool’s current league position a sadly fair reflection on the club. The unrealized potential of the squad is a puzzle he doesn’t have long to wrestle with. Fenway Sports Group’s expectations for a return on player investment demand delivery of a Champions League placing next spring.

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Obvious necessities, such as the reintegration of superior quality like Christian Benteke, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson, the settling on either Mamadou Sakho or Dejan Lovren as a partner for Martin Škrtel, should be executed quickly. But two more significant problems of recent weeks were Rodgers’ failure to settle on a formation and a misuse of personnel that left Coutinho as the side’s only real penetrative threat.

The lack of invention seems to stem from a mistrust of Liverpool’s other creative outlets. Combined with the reversion to the wing back system of last season, Adam Lallana’s relegation to a substitute/Europa league role and Emre Can’s move back to defense have protected opponents from the precision and speed of thought of two of the club’s best technicians.

Early in the season, Rodgers was also indecisive about whether Jordan Ibe, with all the hope stored in him as an identikit Raheem Sterling, or Roberto Firmino, with the ridiculous price tagged on him, would get a decent run in the side. Ibe played in the opening weekend’s winning team and was them was dropped for Firmino to play in the strong showing at the Emirates. Firmino kept his place through the West Ham and Manchester United disappointments but was then injured as the formation changed. The combined effect has been a dearth of continuity in Liverpool’s attacking options and a side that repeats the curse of over-reliance on a tiny collection of key performers.

Can is one player of whom better things can be expected with Klopp in charge and may be a useful barometer for how the collective will benefit from the new manager. After his strong showing in the European under-21 championship over the summer, and with Jordan Henderson injured so early in the season, this season has been a case of missed opportunities personally as well as his misuse by the manager. Can’s non-clearance leading to Lukaku’s goal in the Merseyside derby is one example of his misplacement in defense. Much has been made of the Gerard Pique/Mats Hummels playmaking defender in recent years, but if a player can’t defend, he shouldn’t be guarding the far post.

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Can is only one of Liverpool’s players still classified ‘promising.’ Many others have stayed in that bucket for so long that they are better judged ‘unfulfilled potential.’ Klopp’s reputation for psychological transformation will be tested with this Liverpool squad, which has few natural leaders and has its most trustworthy characters either injured (Henderson) or still working their way back (Sturridge).

However, in spite of the well-bemoaned problems of mentality and underperformance, Klopp’s employment is not the only reason Liverpool fans can be optimistic. The league’s competitiveness this autumn means Liverpool are not really far off the rest of the pack. Yes, the middle-income sides are stronger than ever, but Liverpool needn’t fear anyone either. All sides have been proven beatable, and while Liverpool need something of a revolution to be title contenders, it should not be more than a few tweaks that takes them to Champions League qualification.

This summer’s recruits have been far better value for money than last year’s. James Milner has handled captaincy brilliantly, and if not the sleekest of attacking midfielders, in the absence of others’ capability he has taken that responsibility on gainfully. Bar one or two Glen Johnson-esque losses of possession and concentration, Nathaniel Clyne and Gomez have been excellent signings, and Benteke’s link-up play has been a solid rebuttal to the preseason criticism of his signing not being a proper fit.

There is a lot of talent at Klopp’s disposal, but integrating players who can perform in the final third, and thus produce or create goals, is needed if he is to propel Liverpool back into the limelight. Ibe, Lallana, Firmino, Benteke and, 30 yards back, Can – if Klopp can get the best out of these as-yet unfulfilled talents, he may just succeed where Kenny Dalglish and Rodgers’ stardust was lacking.

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