Jurgen Klopp much happier with Liverpool form after ‘horrible’ start to 2023

30.12.2023 - 09:43 breakingnews.ie

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp joked he is six times happier than he was a year ago with his team top of the Premier League.

Their position may have slipped by the time they play Newcastle on New Year’s Day, as Arsenal could reclaim top spot by beating Luton the day before, but it will still not be as bad as 12 months ago.

On January 2nd they lost 3-1 at Brighton to sit sixth, 15 points behind the Gunners who were the then leaders. With just one defeat, and that a controversial one at Tottenham, all season and having dropped only four points at home, Klopp is pleased to see his side back on track and ahead of schedule. “Six times happier!

I can’t even remember (the first game of 2023),” said Klopp when asked how he felt compared to last new year. “A horrible time last year.

Football Premier League Newcastle soccer Anfield Jurgen Klopp Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Tyrone youngster Conor Bradley after the 20-year-old's "exceptional" display in the Reds' 2-1 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg comeback against Fulham.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists his belief is endless in his forwards whether they score or not after Darwin Nunez had an impactful but not ultimately decisive role in the 2-1 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Fulham. After coming off the bench in the 56th minute, the Uruguay international provided the assist for Curtis Jones' deflected equaliser and then the cross from which fellow substitute Cody Gakpo swept home the winner. On another day Nunez, who has scored just once in the last 16 matches, could have had a late hat-trick after being denied by goalkeeper Bernd Leno which would have virtually put Liverpool in the final ahead of the second leg in a fortnight. "He plays outstanding, I have to say it. There are so many things I love about his game," said Klopp. "The first year was a year to adapt and he scored here and there but now he contributes in all games. "The boys don't start because they score or not score. My belief and trust in them, as long as they behave properly, is endless. They deserve it because of the effort they put in. "I don't know how to explain the Darwin situation. I'm so happy about Darwin's reaction and how he takes it but you cannot be more unlucky in these finishing situations, that's not possible. "He does absolutely everything right, yet ball not in. And then he still sets up the other goal. I think that is really special to do that again." Liverpool's substitutes have contributed 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, 12 better than any other Premier League team, and Nunez has been responsible for three goals and four assists.

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Mohamed Salah (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

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