Written by Jake Walerius at The Sports Quotient
After the game, as Jurgen Klopp walked his players over to pay tribute to the Kop, it was easy to smirk. Celebrating a home draw against West Brom so enthusiastically, especially one secured via a deflection in the 96th minute, hardly screamed progress.
As many pointed out after game, if Brendan Rodgers had been the man in charge, it’s hard to imagine the point would have been viewed in such a positive light. Which begs the question: how much have Liverpool really improved under Klopp?
Klopp has now overseen 14 games as Liverpool manager. He has won seven, drawn five, and lost two. Rodgers, in his 11 games this season, won three, drew six, and lost two. Klopp has the edge, but not by much, and their records in the league are identical: played eight, won three, drawn three, lost two.
The impression that Liverpool have failed to progress in Klopp’s two months in charge is only heightened by the fact the teams’ failings are so familiar. Klopp’s Liverpool, like Rodgers’, are struggling to create clear-cut chances, especially against defensive teams, while there remains an obvious fragility at the back.
But make no mistake; there has been improvement.
When Klopp arrived, he repeatedly stressed the fact that his first job was to instill some confidence into a mentally fragile squad. In this much, he has obviously succeeded. The point against West Brom was the fifth Liverpool have gained from a losing position under Klopp. In 38 league games last season, the Reds won four points from losing positions.
When you add to that the come-from-behind victories against Southampton and Bordeaux in the League Cup and Europa League, respectively, it is clear Klopp has had some positive impact on the mentality of this team.
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