- Entrou
- Out 5, 2021
- Mensagens
- 16,736
- Gostos Recebidos
- 700
Three things Jurgen Klopp got right as Liverpool snatch late victory over Ajax
Liverpool left it late to beat Ajax 2-1 at Anfield in a less-than convincing performance against the Dutch champions in what could prove to be a massive three points in their European campaign
Liverpool left it late to turn around their poor start to the Champions League as Jurgen Klopp's side beat Ajax 2-1 on Tuesday evening.
The Reds looked far the better side for large periods at Anfield but were unable to shake off their Dutch opponents until the 89th minute thanks to a Joel Matip header. The Reds had to rely on goal line technology to edge past their Dutch opponents
Despite dominating the game, Liverpool looked less than convincing as they continued to appear a shell of their former clinical selves. And Daily Star Sport is looking at three things Klopp got right and two things he got wrong against Ajax.
Sticking with Mohamed Salah
A lot of things have been said about Mohamed Salah's start to the season - a lot of them justified, but Klopp did right to stick by his superstar.
If anybody could get Liverpool out of their current rut with a moment of magic it would be their Egyptian King. And Salah repaid his boss' trust in him after breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack.
Salah played with the spring-in-his-step, even coming close to late winner, that has been missing for the majority of the new campaign.
Starting Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota
Klopp's side have been curtailed by an early-season injury crisis, but were handed a huge boost by both Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota returning for the clash
Klopp made the bold decision to drop Darwin Nunez in favour of Jota, who played a key role in the opening goal. And Thiago was also given the nod as he strolled into a stumbling Reds midfield.
Thiago was instrumental in helping Liverpool counter-pressing like the side that came within two games of securing the quadruple last time out.
Trusting his side to dig deep
A theme of the Klopp era on Merseyside has been his sides' ability to never know when they're beaten.
And with the Reds starting to look like they were running out of ideas, Matip stepped up to bag a rare European goal that could potentially kick-start Liverpool's campaign. It took the goal decision system to award the header - but Klopp won't care.
It's the second time Liverpool have clinched wins from the jaws of a draw this season, after similar heroics against Newcastle.
Addressing the issue down the right-hand side
Liverpool's right-hand side has plagued them throughout the season, and Ajax were quick to capitalise down that flank for their first goal through Mohammed Kudos.
Time and time again Steven Bergwijn found himself in one-on-one situations against Trent Alexander-Arnold with the Dutchman often coming off as the victor.
Alexander-Arnold starting was the correct decision, with the Liverpudlian offering so much going forwards - but he needed defensive help which was seldom there on Tuesday evening.
All the midfield stability that was brought to the game from Thiago was quickly wiped out as the Spaniard and Fabinho struggled without Harvey Elliott
Klopp elected to bring on the Brazilian as he looked for a winner against the Dutch side - but the move allowed Ajax to grow into the game, having looked on the ropes numerous times during the second half.
Ajax looked their most likely to nick a second as they were able to get a foothold on the midfield.
Daily Star Sunday
Liverpool left it late to beat Ajax 2-1 at Anfield in a less-than convincing performance against the Dutch champions in what could prove to be a massive three points in their European campaign
Liverpool left it late to turn around their poor start to the Champions League as Jurgen Klopp's side beat Ajax 2-1 on Tuesday evening.
The Reds looked far the better side for large periods at Anfield but were unable to shake off their Dutch opponents until the 89th minute thanks to a Joel Matip header. The Reds had to rely on goal line technology to edge past their Dutch opponents
Despite dominating the game, Liverpool looked less than convincing as they continued to appear a shell of their former clinical selves. And Daily Star Sport is looking at three things Klopp got right and two things he got wrong against Ajax.
Sticking with Mohamed Salah
A lot of things have been said about Mohamed Salah's start to the season - a lot of them justified, but Klopp did right to stick by his superstar.
If anybody could get Liverpool out of their current rut with a moment of magic it would be their Egyptian King. And Salah repaid his boss' trust in him after breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack.
Salah played with the spring-in-his-step, even coming close to late winner, that has been missing for the majority of the new campaign.
Starting Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota
Klopp's side have been curtailed by an early-season injury crisis, but were handed a huge boost by both Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota returning for the clash
Klopp made the bold decision to drop Darwin Nunez in favour of Jota, who played a key role in the opening goal. And Thiago was also given the nod as he strolled into a stumbling Reds midfield.
Thiago was instrumental in helping Liverpool counter-pressing like the side that came within two games of securing the quadruple last time out.
Trusting his side to dig deep
A theme of the Klopp era on Merseyside has been his sides' ability to never know when they're beaten.
And with the Reds starting to look like they were running out of ideas, Matip stepped up to bag a rare European goal that could potentially kick-start Liverpool's campaign. It took the goal decision system to award the header - but Klopp won't care.
It's the second time Liverpool have clinched wins from the jaws of a draw this season, after similar heroics against Newcastle.
Addressing the issue down the right-hand side
Liverpool's right-hand side has plagued them throughout the season, and Ajax were quick to capitalise down that flank for their first goal through Mohammed Kudos.
Time and time again Steven Bergwijn found himself in one-on-one situations against Trent Alexander-Arnold with the Dutchman often coming off as the victor.
Alexander-Arnold starting was the correct decision, with the Liverpudlian offering so much going forwards - but he needed defensive help which was seldom there on Tuesday evening.
All the midfield stability that was brought to the game from Thiago was quickly wiped out as the Spaniard and Fabinho struggled without Harvey Elliott
Klopp elected to bring on the Brazilian as he looked for a winner against the Dutch side - but the move allowed Ajax to grow into the game, having looked on the ropes numerous times during the second half.
Ajax looked their most likely to nick a second as they were able to get a foothold on the midfield.
Daily Star Sunday