Jamie Carragher has lauded the impact of Jurgen Klopp’s changes in the second half of the season, including the signing of Luis Diaz, which have helped transform Liverpool into title challengers
Image: Sky Sports)
Liverpool demolished Manchester United once again with a 4-0 thrashing and Jamie Carragher pointed to Jurgen Klopp’s work as the key, for his handling of the squad that has turned around their season.
By the time Luis Diaz arrived at Anfield from Porto in January, the Reds were some 13 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League and the title race looked as good as over. Fast forward to April 19 and the Merseyside giants have won 11 of their last 12 games, helping them reach the summit after blowing away the Red Devils for the second time this season.
The manner in which Klopp has managed his squad has been first-rate. Finding a way to field Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Diaz in a three-man attack would have proved to be a dilemma for any coach. But aside from Salah, the other four players have been swapped around frequently and fairly to ensure they stay content and also fresh.
When asked if Carragher felt Liverpool’s front three was currently their best combination, he agreed and also credited Klopp for the way he has rotated his attacking players which has improved the atmosphere at Anfield.
“Yeah, I think it is. For a while now it has been a little bit up in the air but he has changed it fantastically well at times,” he told Sky Sports. “And I think to pick that front three at the weekend and then again tonight with that quick turnaround, I think that is the best front three.”
Diaz scored one and assisted another for Mane to score, while Salah scored a brace to take his tally to 22 goals this season. Off the bench came Jota, who has 15 goals this season, and the Portuguese played his role in the fourth goal, highlighting their eagerness to get involved whenever possible.
Image:
Sky Sports)
Have Your Say! Can Liverpool off winning the title this season? Comment below.
The signing of Diaz may have cost Liverpool a hefty £49m, the most they have ever spent on an attacker, but it could prove to win them a significant amount of prize money in the future. It is well-documented that Klopp only sanctioned a January move for the Colombian because Tottenham had launched a bid.
But in the end, it has lifted the whole team and put them in course for an incredible quadruple. As Carragher alluded to during his commentary, the 25-year-old has contributed to changing the atmosphere at the club and also strengthening Liverpool’s options to ensure they do not suffer a drop-off due to fatigue or a lack of form. “
“(Luis) Diaz coming in has changed the mood completely around Liverpool and has changed the squad strength. For me, right now, that is where Liverpool have the edge over Manchester City because of the options that they have on the bench.”
Competition for places is tougher, but instead of becoming frustrated with a lack of football, these players are getting the chance to try and gazump each other – and the only winner is Liverpool. The title is still in Manchester City’s hands, but the longer Klopp’s men continue to pile on the pressure, the tougher it will be for Pep Guardiola’s side to withstand the heat from a rejuvenated and tantalising Liverpool side.
Read More
Read More
