Jurgen Klopp: A Liverpool genius or a madman?

Fixing Firmino

But what about the players that were already in the club when Klopp took over?

Surely everyone remembers Roberto Firmino’s arrival from 1899 Hoffenheim back in 2015? Mere months before Klopp’s move to Liverpool. The Brazilian forward’s debut was with Christian Benteke; who were both bought by Rodgers to try to solve Liverpool’s striker woes.

Both newcomers failed to impress, with Benteke leaving the club after just one season with the Reds. Firmino, however completely transformed.

More from Rush The Kop

• Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
• Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
• Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
• Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
• Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures

The former Number 11 got off to a dismal start in his LFC jersey, resulting in an onslaught of criticism from pundits and fans. Today he is one of the Premier League’s best (and most underrated) strikers.

Klopp’s spell has turned the new Number 9 into a defender’s nightmare. His crosses, passes, dribbling and shots are all absolute stellar quality and there’s definitely much more of him to see.

What’s more is that his relationship and chemistry with his two wingers shine through in all of their performances. Which makes for some very tasty football to watch.

Klopp in the firing line

Despite his plethora of achievements with the club, Klopp has succumbed to a lot of questioning lately. Let’s start with formation.

Liverpool have played a typical 4-3-3 formation for a long time now, which isn’t an issue in itself. But when the forwards are doing all the work, opposition teams learn to spot the defensive flaws.

With Nathaniel Clyne injured, academy riser Trent Alexander-Arnold has been first choice right-back during pre-season and most Premier League games. His confidence and passion has left a question mark above Clyne’s future with the club. A good call on Klopp’s part to give the youngster such huge chances.

The left-back problems are ongoing. For years Liverpool have struggled on the left flank –  resulting in James Milner being pushed out of his comfort zone to cover the LB position. Although the vice captain did a pretty solid job, he’s no defender and the Reds were in dire need of a new signing.

So for Klopp to finally kick up his heels and buy a decent left-back was every Liverpool fan’s dream come true. Until he kept new signing Andy Robertson out in favour of former reject Alberto Moreno.

Moreno has been on the ropes at the club for a very long time. His days at Anfield were almost up when Roma came knocking with an £11m offer. But Liverpool rejected the request and Moreno is suddenly back to being first choice left-back. Despite warming the bench for an entire season in favour of a much less experienced player. Strange.

Liverpool transfer talks

Dejan Lovren is another major faulty cog in the defensive machine. His errors are becoming more costly and more frequent. His days at Liverpool are numbered but Klopp seems content with him in the starting XI.

After the huge Virgil van Dijk fiasco, no promising links have been made between Liverpool and a centre-back signing.  VVD rumours have been circulating social media, but nothing can be certain.

Thankfully, after weeks of silence, Klopp has made some moves.

Liverpool have confirmed a deal with RB Leipzig for Naby Keita who will make the Merseyside move in Summer 2018. A likely Coutinho replacement if the Number 10 is released.

Another sourced link has been shared; LFC have bid twice for Monaco’s midfielder Thomas Lemar but his club are adamant they want him to stay.