And the Klopp is off the mark! Liverpool fans finally were able to celebrate a victory under new boss Jurgen Klopp as a youthful side defeated Bournemouth in the League Cup thanks to a goal by Nathaniel Clyne.
Liverpool were a completely changed side from the one that drew against Southampton and it must have been a relief for Klopp to have seen his side win, no matter how ugly it was, against another Premier League side with so many youngsters.
Klopp and Liverpool do not have much time to rejoice as they now travel to Chelsea in what could be a huge game for his opposite manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese saw his Chelsea side lose once again, this time in the League Cup and faces increasing pressure to turn the tide in Chelsea’s favour.
Jurgen Klopp can make things worse for the Chelsea manager by doing something that seems to have become a routine this season, beat them. The invincibility and aura of visiting Stamford Bridge seems to have evaporated and Chelsea now look like sitting ducks most of the time.
Many expect Chelsea to bounce back after a loss, but the truth is to be told, they have rarely shown that they can fix their problems. Klopp could nail Jose’s coffin if he does beat Chelsea but how can he be sure of achieving that and winning his first Premier League game?
Start with Firmino
Roberto Firmino was a huge buy from the previous manager Brendan Rodgers; the Brazilian international joined the club from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim and was lauded for his excellent work-rate and the ability to join the attack. Sadly for him, his time at Anfield hasn’t been the greatest but you can excuse him for that, after all he did move to a new country and had to deal with a different style of management.
Klopp though would be familiar with Firmino having played against his team often and he does know the traits of the Brazilian as well. We saw the best of Firmino in the League Cup clash against Bournemouth and playing the attacker behind the main striker could be the key to unlocking his potential and ability to be a huge influence in the game.
Try to get a fit Benteke for match day
Liverpool have had rotten luck when it comes to keeping their strikers fit. While Daniel Sturridge seems to be the eternal glass man, breaking down at almost every instant, Danny Ings unfortunately also picked up a long-term injury and then we have Christian Benteke who has an on and off injury record ever since he joined Liverpool.
When Benteke came on against Southampton, he was the difference for the clubs and he needs to be fit and start against Chelsea if Liverpool even hope to win against the Blues. The Belgian striker would be a threat in the air and the way the Chelsea defence has struggled to deal with strikers, Benteke would be licking his lips in expectation of starting the game, as long as he is fit that is.
Give Coutinho a break
This might seem like a double edged sword, but Philippe Coutinho has been poor this season, despite somehow making it into the PFA team of the year last season, most Liverpool fans would agree that Phil has been nowhere near his form from the second half of last season.
Klopp might have to take a drastic decision by dropping the Brazilian from the first team and giving him a run-out later on in the game. Coutinho needs to work on his consistency, something that almost everyone has spoken about, if he does not, he could be facing more time on the bench than expected.