Steve McClaren unsurprised to see Jurgen Klopp shine at Liverpool

Diving and cheating is as prevalent in England as it is anywhere else, and some of the game’s biggest divers ply their trade in the Prem (i.e. Rooney, Young, and even some Liverpool players, who shall remain nameless).

And does Klopp’s preferred pressing style require more work or does a famously energetic tracker and runner like Milner not notice the difference? I played against him a couple of times and they were a very good team.

The striker progressed through Manchester City’s youth set-up and joined the Blues in 2009. He admits he was hurt by Rodgers’ sacking. – Reuters/Livepic picSpeaking of Sturridge, Klopp told a news conference yesterday: “I think confidence is normal, like it is with a player with long injury history”. It was disappointing but unfortunately that’s football. “When you go quiet, you lose that confidence, concentration and focus, which is what has been happening”. Just two points separate the Reds from fourth-place Tottenham, and Jurgen Klopp’s team is keen on making up for its early struggles in the month of December.

“This is why Liverpool could compete with the best clubs now that Klopp has them playing so great”, he said. If you travel to Newcastle, you have to get as many points as you can. What line-up would you like to see start? He has changed a few things in the team, altered training schedules a bit and introduced some new ideas, but most of all he has got everyone onside. I think it’s a tough league, anyone can beat anyone else. “You can’t just come in and start blasting and changing everything right away”.

Ahead of him, despite promising displays by both Connor Randall and Brad Smith on Wednesday, Klopp would be unwise to deviate from his back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno.

“What we have talked about a lot is we have conceded 30 goals in 14 games, and that’s not good enough”, added McClaren, who switched to 3-5-2 during last week’s loss at Palace.

“What Klopp does right now in football in this country is so refreshing”. But we have the same thinking. Their ineptitude to score goals and their poor defensive solidity are the defining qualities of their lackluster season so far. The expectation every year in turning up and thinking ‘is this going to be our year?’ The scenes there were incredible with fans hanging off lampposts and whole streets rammed with black and white. We know things need to change.

“My future is definitely back at Liverpool because that is my dream and that is what I want to achieve”, he said.

“And while this may not be the best medical advice, you can understand his frustration”. They also get Sunderland next week.