Jurgen Klopp’s first month at Liverpool: Highlights and lowlights

Tom Victor

A month into his Liverpool tenure, Jurgen Klopp has already started to make his mark at Anfield.

While we shouldn’t judge the German’s tenure before the start of his first full season, it’s reasonable to acknowledge that quite a bit has changed since he took over from Brendan Rodgers.

We’ve picked out some of the most and least encouraging elements of his time so far.

Highlights

The win over Chelsea

Jose Mourinho’s side might not be the force they were when they beat Rodgers’ Liverpool at Anfield last season, but victory at Stamford Bridge is still something to be proud of.

Falling behind just five minutes into a game might have seen the Reds crumble in the past, but whether through Klopp’s influence or the sheer force of not-Rodgers, they recovered to run out 3-1 victors.

The performances of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino were important too, as the pair could prove crucial to Liverpool’s progress under the new boss.

https://twitter.com/Stevie_Groves27/status/660568349571723265

The meta-quotes

Those who looked forward to Klopp’s appointment the most were those getting Ian Holloway withdrawal symptoms.

There hasn’t been a more quotable manager since the Bristolian left the league, but that would soon change.

Naturally, the former Dortmund coach saved his best effort for a quote about quotes, admitting “The problem with my life is that I’ve said too much shit in the past and no-one forgets it.”

https://twitter.com/Liverpool_World/status/661969029297500160

The emergence of Jordon Ibe

When Ibe scored the winner against Rubin Kazan, Klopp’s reaction showed how pleased he has become with the player’s development.

Klopp has prided himself in trusting youngsters already on the books before looking elsewhere – with German playmaker Mario Gotze an obvious example – so Ibe’s progress will please him no end.

The former Wycombe teenager had broken through under Rodgers but is already coming on leaps and bounds under the new boss.

"It depends on @IbeJordon!" Klopp insists Ibe is already an important part of the @LFC squad and can become better. https://t.co/sCpl6LKgEv

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 5, 2015

Lowlights

Defeat to Crystal Palace

If you’re going to try to differentiate yourself from your predecessor, conjuring up memories of one of his lowest ebbs probably isn’t the way to do it.

After Liverpool ended last season with a whimper both home and away, another Anfield defeat to Crystal Palace was the last thing Klopp will have wanted.

Still, at least he can blame Steven Gerrard for this one.

Liverpool under Rodgers:
Lost to Crystal Palace 3-1

Liverpool under Klopp
Lost to Crystal Palace 2-1#KloppEffect

— HP (@ThePepPlan) November 8, 2015

The injury crisis

This might not be Klopp’s fault, but it’s very unfortunate.

Since he took over, several players have found themselves on the sidelines with long-term injuries.

The next big test will be how well the German can cope without Danny Ings, Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez, as well as those absent for shorter periods like Daniel Sturridge.