Klopp Discusses the Big Takeaways From Liverpool’s Opening Matches

Liverpool have had a perfect start to the season, winning their first two games and keeping two clean sheets along the way. As they look to make it three-for-three against Chelsea this afternoon at Anfield, manager Jürgen Klopp had a write up in the matchday programme praising his players.

“There were things I liked in both games, things I didn’t, things I think we did well and things I think we can do better. That is pretty normal and I’m sure Chelsea will have felt the same with their fixtures,” Klopp said.

“What I really liked in both games is that the players immediately recognised the importance the entire squad has to play this campaign if we are to stand any chance at all of being successful. The levels in training from those who haven’t appeared as frequently on the team sheet yet have been just as high as those who have. This is critically important.”

Kostas Tsimikas impressed in both matches when he came in for the injured Andy Robertson. Additionally, Naby Keita, Harvey Elliott, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all players who stepped up to help the team navigate the first few matches of the season.

If Liverpool fans learned nothing else from last season, they all surely took to heart the fact that every player could be called upon in big moments and so they have to be prepared. Last season it was the young defenders who needed to step up and fill the void of the Reds’ injury-ravaged back line. It remains to be seen who this season’s unexpected heroes will be, but Klopp is clearly preparing early for that eventuality in training and through his team selection.