Jürgen Klopp: ‘The players know this season will be unbelievably hard’

Brazil No 1 Allison had an untroubled day in goal as he moves ahead of Loris Karius’, whose errors proved costly in the Champions League final, on his first competitive outing since signing from AS Roma.

Let me say it like this, a year ago he already had a few problems with that but he could obviously play – and played really good, ‘ manager Jurgen Klopp said after Liverpool beat West Ham United 4-0 in their Premier League opener on Sunday.

STYLISH CITY SPOIL EMERY’S ARSENAL BOW: Manchester City ruined the start of the Unai Emery era at Arsenal as the champions signalled their intent to retain the Premier League title with a stylish 2-0 win on Sunday.

“So it wasn’t going to be easy but it says a lot about the boys and where we’re at”. West Ham’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini gave debuts to five of their 10 close-season signings but his revamped team rarely threatened Liverpool’s expensive new Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson.

West Ham offered little as the hosts dominated, but Klopp was reluctant to decribe the performance as ideal. That’s the only thing we expect from ourselves. Yesterday’s other game was a goalless draw between Southampton and Europa League contestants Burnley. “We are clear and sure that we need to improve”.

Well, Carragher was soon proven wrong.

Naby Keita went down a storm in his Premier League debut. He is such a well-rounded midfielder with unbelievable qualities and he ran the show in the middle of the park. The 28-year-old has always been a talented player capable of being a difference-maker on his day, but he is also arguably one of the most frustrating footballers England has ever produced.

Sadio Mane became the first Reds player to score in three consecutive opening Premier League fixtures since John Barnes between 1989-90 and 1991-92 with two goals while Daniel Sturridge converted his first touch after coming on as a late substitute.

Liverpool beat City in three of their four meetings last season, but the key to a title challenge will be a consistency Klopp has so far failed to nail in almost three years in charge.

Yet, despite the vast investment in the East Londoners, on this evidence Pellegrini will do well to better West Ham’s 13th-placed finish last season as the visitors were happy to limit the damage after the break.

He has been everywhere.

“I think Liverpool played better than us”. He registered a 100-per-cent success rate with his nine long balls, speaking volumes of his ability to spread play and stretch the opposition’s defence.

Despite not really being tested by West Ham defensively, the Guinean was solid, having a 100% tackle success rate and making 9 recoveries, showing his willingness to win the ball back; a true Klopp player. And during those brief periods they were without the ball, they pressured West Ham relentlessly until they got it back.