DOMINIC KING: If this had been a normal season, Jurgen Klopp might have given Kop seven punches for seven goals against Man United… but Liverpool will only celebrate if they finish in the top four.
- Jurgen Klopp missed his traditional punch after Liverpool’s historic win
- With Liverpool fifth in the table, there is no reason for excessive celebrations
- Bournemouth this weekend is just as important a game for all four Reds hopes
Jurgen Klopp stood in front of the Kop, making the universal gesture of turning up the volume. The masses responded, their roar gradually rising in hopes that he would unleash a flurry of punches to cap off a spectacular evening.
But when the noise reached a crescendo, Klopp wagged his finger to disappoint them.
Had this been a normal season, the chances are high the Liverpool manager would have hit seven shots for seven goals, but his conservative reaction gave insight into the club’s current position and Klopp’s outlook.
Inflicting Manchester United’s heaviest defeat at Anfield was remarkable, but all it did was propel Liverpool to fifth. Barring a miracle in Madrid next week, there will be no trophies this season, so why should there be excessive celebrations?
“Our focus has always been one game at a time and that doesn’t change,” said Virgil van Dijk. ‘We had a good win, a clean sheet. Nothing else.’
Jurgen Klopp decided not to deliver all seven punches after his 7-0 win over Man United
Liverpool’s win was remarkable, but all it did was propel them inside the top five.
The Liverpool dressing room was supposed to become the center of the party, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The only time under Klopp that Anfield’s inner sanctum went wild was after Crystal Palace were beaten 4-0 in June 2020, putting Liverpool on the brink of becoming champions. There was nobody in the stadium, but the players created their own noise, shouting and hitting the lockers.
For this occasion, everything was very simple. Mo Salah was given a number 129 shirt, to mark his achievement in breaking Robbie Fowler’s record for most Premier League goals for Liverpool, to thunderous applause.
This result was the result of a couple of training sessions after Wolves’ loss last week in which Klopp and his coaching staff devoted time to finishing and counter-attacking. Especially the third goal, finished off by Cody Gakpo after running 70 yards to exchange passes with Salah, was a plan that paid off.
However, after that, Klopp stepped up and explained the plan for the following week. On Monday, those who played had to go to their AXA headquarters in Kirkby for a recovery session in the morning before having the afternoon off; Tuesday is a rest day.
He will return on Wednesday to prepare for Bournemouth on Saturday, a game considered even more important than United, and this ‘business as usual’ approach is the biggest indication that Klopp is in ‘fighting mode’.
He has been demanding his team put pressure on those seeking a top four spot and looking like they might be left behind, Liverpool suddenly have their second wind. If they end up qualifying for the Champions League, there will be celebrations.
But, for now, no one will get ahead of it. It may not be much fun, but that’s exactly how Klopp will like it.
Liverpool are back in a strong place to qualify for next season’s Champions League
Liverpool’s game with Bournemouth this weekend will be just as important for the Reds