29 December 2023 , 13:43
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Jurgen Klopp is enjoying being top of the Premier League with Liverpool in contrast to what he calls the "horrible time" of 12 months ago.
Liverpool were sixth at the end of 2022, their title shot long gone, and they were a massive 15 points behind leaders Arsenal. They began 2023 losing at Brentford and Brighton, conceding six goals, before trailing in fifth to register Klopp's only full season at Liverpool when they have missed out on the Champions League.
Although Klopp is happy to be two points clear at the halfway point of the title race, he insists the Reds still have work to do. "I can’t even remember who we played 12 months ago," said the Liverpool boss. "Brentford, oh, we lost that.
"I think we were sixth for a few minutes and then probably seventh or eighth. It was a horrible time last year. It feels better, no doubt, but it’s not that we think too much about it.
"When I say I’m not happy, I’m OK, it’s just so early (in the title race). We had a lot of good spells in games we didn’t win, so it’s a process. This team is in the middle of something and we just try to make the best of it."
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All the pointers show Liverpool are transformed from 12 months ago, and their one defeat is at least two fewer than their title rivals, while they have the best defence with just 16 goals conceded. Again, Klopp is not happy with the goals they have leaked after losing possession, but is pleased the whole team is pressing better.
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"General defending, that’s how it is, that’s it," he said. "Everybody buys into the way we have to work. It’s just a problem if you lose too many balls. We’ve conceded 16, probably eight or nine are after we lose the ball. It’s really difficult to prepare for these situations and the minute you lose it, you’re in different positions so you get caught.
"This year we’ve stepped up in counter pressing, midfield or front three involved. You can have a high line so there are plenty of things we work on a lot. But we did this last year as well, it’s the effort everyone puts in."
Klopp must also do without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo after the New Year’s Day clash with Newcastle because of the Africa Cup of Nations and Asia Cup respectively. He also has a long injury list and says Andy Robertson is still weeks away, although Alexis Mac Allister could return from his gashed knee against Newcastle.
"Robbo still needs more range in his shoulder so he’s still not even close to team training," he said. "Macca, we’ll see what he can do, if he can step into team training or not. With Mo leaving and Endo, if Macca could be back for Newcastle, that would be outstanding."