Klopp Guides Liverpool To Final
Jurgen Klopp had warned Marcelino that Liverpool will throw everything at his team. It would be an atmosphere unlike anything. But it was more than the Yellow Submarine expected. When the Villarreal team bus rolled into Anfield road, the atmosphere was smoked up in red. Shit just got real.
Jurgen Klopp had made the rallying call to the Kop. The Kop responded. His team responded. Liverpool’s determination and pressing backed by the the noise and the passion of the Anfield faithful sunk the Yellow Submarine.
An own goal inside 7 minutes and strikes from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana sent Liverpool through 3–1 on aggregate to the Europa League final in Basel.
- Emre Can Bossed The Match
The German had not played since the famous victory over Borussia Dortmund in the previous round. He was expected to be out for the season. Defying all odds, Emre Can returned with a beast of a performance. Interceptions, tackles, intelligent play, authority — his game had it all. This is what Liverpool missed in the last one week. He broke up play, protected the defense and even bullied Cédric Bakambu. It was a performance that defined his age. Not only has Can all the traits to go onto be legend at Anfield, he can be superstar footballer in years to come. This is why Klopp rates him highly
- Sturridge The Hitman
In the build up, the talk was about the England striker’s omission from the first leg in Spain. Add on the comments about his uncertainty at being a ‘Red for life’, Sturridge was going to be the focus. It was certain he would start. And when did, he showed Klopp what he missed at Estadio El Madrigal. Sturridge had a say in all three goals, highlighting what world class strikers do. True, he missed a couple of chances. But his presence and tenacity upsets most defenses. His intelligent movement can make you pay before you realize what just happened. On scoring the second goal, he wheeled away in a celebratory mode that the Kop had not seen before. Ditching the robot dance, Sturridge showed the passion and what the goal meant to him. It delighted Anfield. This is the guy they want. Klopp must use the striker wisely to keep him injury free and hungry before the finals. The timing of Danny Ings’ return bodes well for the team.
- The Samba of Firmino
Roberto Firmino is a class act. At times he might seem disinterested, but this guy is silky. The full extent of the Brazilian’s talent was on display tonight. Not only did he play a key role in all the goals, he harried and hurried the opposition. His dribbles and smooth touches delighted the crowd. Playing him right behind Sturridge is his best position and for the team. There is all the potential for the duo to form a greater understanding like what Sturridge and Luis Suarez had. Hours before the match Dunga had announced his Copa America squad. There was no place for Firmino. I was curious how he would respond. And respond he did! With such display, Dunga might regret his omission. As a Liverpool fan, I am happy that it will ensure a fit and hungry Firmino for the next season.
- Liverpool The Team
From the first whistle, Liverpool set out to do what they had to do. The Reds were right at the throat of Villarreal. Liverpool pressed and pressed. Lallana and Firmino epitomized this. The early goal cancelled the deficit and shook the Yellow Submarine. Superior shots on goal and corners built the pressure on the visitors. James Milner was as industrious as ever. A performance deserving of the captain’s armband. Milner’s corner kicks were as teasing as it gets. Philippe Coutinho was rather subdued. Villarreal paid extra attention to him. But this opened the doors for Firmino and Lallana to wreck havoc.
Liverpool’s defense held fort. Mignolet was up to the mark with a crucial save early on in the match from Roberto Soldado. Nathaniel Clyne made darting runs into the other half while not forgetting the defense keeping the Denis Suarez in check. Dejan Lovren was a rock. An assured performance and seems to have formed a solid partnership with Kolo Toure. The Ivorian has been a revelation. He is like wine. Stepping up to fill Mamadou Sakho’s untimely absence, Toure is playing A-grade football. Klopp has to ensure he stays fit for the final. As much as I don't like it, Martin Skrtel should play the remaining league matches — At least it would him the Slovak a chance to leave with his head held high.
- The 12th Man
The rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone was special. The atmosphere was tuned. The European night feel at Anfield is something that raises goosebumps. The noise, the passion and intelligence of the crowd is admired by football lovers around the world. It’s the Kop that makes the 12th man. It’s the Kop that drives this Liverpool team to achieve the impossible. Liverpool don’t have the luxury of playing at Anfield in the final. But the Kop will be traveling in hordes. A first European final in 9 years have got the Kop dreaming. The 12th man in Basel will play a huge role to drive their beloved Liverpool FC to European Glory
- Jurgen ‘The Rockstar” Klopp
This is the manager that the Kop wanted. The guiding force the team needed. ‘The Normal One’ has turned the doubters to be believes. His charming personality was always going to be soaked up by the Kop. The German has fallen in love with Liverpool and everything associated with the club. Klopp’s range of emotions during the match deserves the Klopp Cam. His youthful exuberance in celebration and thanking the fans at the final whistle is something even a Liverpool hater would appreciate.
The last time Liverpool grabbed a title was the League Cup victory over Cardiff in 2012. In Basel, Seville awaits them, aiming for a hat-trick of titles. Liverpool will have to be at their absolute best to defeat them. Klopp knows the feel of a continental final. In his first season with Liverpool, the German is one win away from European glory. In Klopp we trust
You’ll Never Walk Alone
