Before the match against Newcastle in round 20 of the Premier League, coach Jurgen Klopp expressed satisfaction with Liverpool's current form, especially compared to what happened at the same period last season.
The start of 2023 was arguably Liverpool's worst under Klopp, as they finished sixth and did not win a Premier League game until mid-February, losing twice to Brighton and a 3-0 defeat away at Wolves.
But Liverpool are closing out 2023 in style. They are top of the table with 42 points, two ahead of second-placed Arsenal and five points ahead of champions Manchester City. "I'm six times happier than I was at the same time last season," Klopp said ahead of the game at Anfield on Monday 1 January 2024. "It was a terrible time. We were sixth, and we were in danger of being seventh or eighth. Now it feels better. This season we are in a position to compete for something, and we just give our best."
Coach Klopp shakes hands with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool drew 0-0 with Man Utd at Anfield in round 17 of the Premier League on December 17. Photo: AFP
Klopp believes the difference is partly down to Liverpool's improved defensive performance. "The problem always arises when you lose the ball too much. This season, we conceded 16 goals, eight or nine of them because we lost the ball. Last season it was worse," the German coach analyzed. "This season, we have solved the problem, especially with the counter-attack. The fact that the players react faster to the situation really means. If you feel the midfield and the attack are ready to counter-attack, you can see the opportunity to pass the ball forward. We work very hard to do that. Actually, last season we did the same. It's just that the effect is better now."
However, like most of England's top teams, Liverpool also face personnel concerns in the coming time. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has only just returned to training, since a knee injury in the match against Sheffield United in early December. Meanwhile, Japanese defensive midfielder Wataru Endo is about to join up with Japan for the Asian Cup after the match against Newcastle. Mo Salah also has to return to serve Egypt in the African Cup.
Klopp said there was no plan other than to play the remaining players, and stressed that this was not the first time Liverpool had been in a similar situation - it had been worse before, losing Sadio Mane. "We have to get through it," he said.
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