Klopp eyes up first Liverpool victory

Posted Saturday, October 24, 2015 by 3news.co.nz

Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp's arrival as Liverpool manager has created a frenzy of interest among fans and media alike, but has not as yet succeeded in shedding his club's growing reputation as draw specialists.

Six of their past eight matches have ended in stalemate, a total that rises to seven with the inclusion of last month's unimpressive penalty shoot-out victory over League Two side Carlisle, which had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

The concern for Klopp ahead of his third match in charge, at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, is a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

While a 0-0 draw at Tottenham last Saturday marked a solid start to the former Borussia Dortmund manager's reign, Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw at home to a 10-man Rubin Kazan side was more of a disappointment.

As Klopp put it: "Some of the players were so stiff in their mind. They think: 'We shoot now?'"

"We have to make better decisions in the box. But I have only been here for a short time and I think, at this stage, it's pretty normal."

Liverpool's performance against their Russian opponents lacked the pace they showed against Tottenham - and the energy for which Klopp's teams have become famed.

Klopp has not been helped in his early matches, though, by a lack of attacking options.

Christian Benteke has been absent with a hamstring strain for a month, Roberto Firmino for around the same length of time with a back injury, while Daniel Sturridge has missed the last two matches with a knee injury sustained in training.

"With Daniel's injury, we have to see day by day," Klopp said.

"If he can train completely normally on Saturday, then it's no problem and he's an option. But I have to wait for this."

"He needs treatment and a scan because there's a little fluid in the knee. We have to see."