ECHO Comment: "Fears of Witch-hunt Against Liverpool FC"

[dannyboy]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/12/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-aston-villa?

Jürgen Klopp admits he has no magic formula to change Liverpool’s fortunes
• ‘To change things you need time,’ says Liverpool manager
• Klopp says Benteke is ‘waiting for all his skills to come back’

Jürgen Klopp has both Daniel Sturridge (left) and Divock Origi (right) available to face Aston Villa.​

Andy Hunter
Friday 12 February 2016 22.30 GMT

Jürgen Klopp has said he took the Liverpool job because it was the right one, not the easiest one, and that it would need David Copperfield to conjure an immediate transformation at Anfield.
Liverpool head to bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa on Sunday in ninth position having taken five points from a possible 18 in 2016 and with hopes of a second Wembley appearance this season dashed by West Ham United in the FA Cup on Tuesday. Klopp has had to navigate a way through a demanding fixture schedule with an extensive injury list, guiding Liverpool to the Capital One Cup final in the process, and call for compromise between the owner, Fenway Sports Group, and supporters over the ticket price controversy.
He insists, however, that Liverpool have held no surprises since he replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager in October and his early experiences will prove invaluable for the future.
“I think everyone knows there would have been a few easier jobs but I am not this kind of guy,” said Klopp. “I was always ready for the right job in the right situation where you can make a difference. To change things you need time. Liverpool is not in the most easy moment but I am not surprised. We could have had six points more, no problem. It is not too far away. That is how football is.
“A few things hadn’t worked – otherwise they would not have changed the manager – then you have an international break, injuries, re-injuries, and because of this other players are having to play. I am not David Copperfield. It is not about making things change and everything is OK. It is about work. I feel completely in the right place. I feel good, I like to work and I am still learning about everything.
“Of course I am disappointed with a few results and performances but I am positive and surprised by a few other performances. The players have shown me what is possible, sometimes for the team, sometimes for the individual.
“If it was easy, everyone could do it. That is clear. I never chose my jobs. The first job they gave me at Mainz because it was better than having me as a player! I am strong enough to handle pressure for a lot of people around me. I am not in doubt about my qualities as a manager. I know about the game and the importance of working together. That’s it.
“Nobody wants to hear this. Everyone just wants to have results. That is no problem. We are not in a perfect position but we are in a good way. I have no problem getting a few knocks and having a few beautiful moments along the way. We are preparing for the future.”
Klopp’s confidence has been helped in the present by the return of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi from injury. But before Christian Benteke’s return to Villa for the first time since his £32.5m transfer to Liverpool, the manager admits the striker’s self-belief has been affected by problems in front of goal. Benteke has not scored in 11 appearances for Liverpool, with his last goal coming at Sunderland on 30 December.
“In parts it was much better at West Ham because he was in a lot of situations,” added Klopp. “He had opportunities and he was reacting on the ball and had opportunities after set pieces. He was safer with the ball, but when you miss a chance it is not like it would be usually because you are thinking: ‘Still it didn’t change.’
“Of course in the end you will lose confidence or you will be a very silly person if something doesn’t work all the time like you are used to and you don’t. He is waiting for all his skills to come back but we speak about it like it is an illness. It is not. It is a situation and you can solve the problem on the pitch or in training or both.”

The more you look at it the more mad you have to say he was for taking the job.

His time at Dortmund pretty much gave him the opportunity to go to a club with unlimited money and the best players in the world. Very similar to how Mourinho built his reputation at Porto.

Klopp obviously thought he could get similar results at Liverpool, underestimated the task massively.

 

[zirc]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/12/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-aston-villa?

Jürgen Klopp admits he has no magic formula to change Liverpool’s fortunes
• ‘To change things you need time,’ says Liverpool manager
• Klopp says Benteke is ‘waiting for all his skills to come back’

Jürgen Klopp has both Daniel Sturridge (left) and Divock Origi (right) available to face Aston Villa.​

Andy Hunter
Friday 12 February 2016 22.30 GMT

Jürgen Klopp has said he took the Liverpool job because it was the right one, not the easiest one, and that it would need David Copperfield to conjure an immediate transformation at Anfield.
Liverpool head to bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa on Sunday in ninth position having taken five points from a possible 18 in 2016 and with hopes of a second Wembley appearance this season dashed by West Ham United in the FA Cup on Tuesday. Klopp has had to navigate a way through a demanding fixture schedule with an extensive injury list, guiding Liverpool to the Capital One Cup final in the process, and call for compromise between the owner, Fenway Sports Group, and supporters over the ticket price controversy.
He insists, however, that Liverpool have held no surprises since he replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager in October and his early experiences will prove invaluable for the future.
“I think everyone knows there would have been a few easier jobs but I am not this kind of guy,” said Klopp. “I was always ready for the right job in the right situation where you can make a difference. To change things you need time. Liverpool is not in the most easy moment but I am not surprised. We could have had six points more, no problem. It is not too far away. That is how football is.
“A few things hadn’t worked – otherwise they would not have changed the manager – then you have an international break, injuries, re-injuries, and because of this other players are having to play. I am not David Copperfield. It is not about making things change and everything is OK. It is about work. I feel completely in the right place. I feel good, I like to work and I am still learning about everything.
“Of course I am disappointed with a few results and performances but I am positive and surprised by a few other performances. The players have shown me what is possible, sometimes for the team, sometimes for the individual.
“If it was easy, everyone could do it. That is clear. I never chose my jobs. The first job they gave me at Mainz because it was better than having me as a player! I am strong enough to handle pressure for a lot of people around me. I am not in doubt about my qualities as a manager. I know about the game and the importance of working together. That’s it.
“Nobody wants to hear this. Everyone just wants to have results. That is no problem. We are not in a perfect position but we are in a good way. I have no problem getting a few knocks and having a few beautiful moments along the way. We are preparing for the future.”
Klopp’s confidence has been helped in the present by the return of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi from injury. But before Christian Benteke’s return to Villa for the first time since his £32.5m transfer to Liverpool, the manager admits the striker’s self-belief has been affected by problems in front of goal. Benteke has not scored in 11 appearances for Liverpool, with his last goal coming at Sunderland on 30 December.
“In parts it was much better at West Ham because he was in a lot of situations,” added Klopp. “He had opportunities and he was reacting on the ball and had opportunities after set pieces. He was safer with the ball, but when you miss a chance it is not like it would be usually because you are thinking: ‘Still it didn’t change.’
“Of course in the end you will lose confidence or you will be a very silly person if something doesn’t work all the time like you are used to and you don’t. He is waiting for all his skills to come back but we speak about it like it is an illness. It is not. It is a situation and you can solve the problem on the pitch or in training or both.”

In other words, my squad is a pile of wank and it's not my fault.

 

[Fearthainn]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/12/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-aston-villa?

Jürgen Klopp admits he has no magic formula to change Liverpool’s fortunes
• ‘To change things you need time,’ says Liverpool manager
• Klopp says Benteke is ‘waiting for all his skills to come back’

Jürgen Klopp has both Daniel Sturridge (left) and Divock Origi (right) available to face Aston Villa.​

Andy Hunter
Friday 12 February 2016 22.30 GMT

Jürgen Klopp has said he took the Liverpool job because it was the right one, not the easiest one, and that it would need David Copperfield to conjure an immediate transformation at Anfield.
Liverpool head to bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa on Sunday in ninth position having taken five points from a possible 18 in 2016 and with hopes of a second Wembley appearance this season dashed by West Ham United in the FA Cup on Tuesday. Klopp has had to navigate a way through a demanding fixture schedule with an extensive injury list, guiding Liverpool to the Capital One Cup final in the process, and call for compromise between the owner, Fenway Sports Group, and supporters over the ticket price controversy.
He insists, however, that Liverpool have held no surprises since he replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager in October and his early experiences will prove invaluable for the future.
“I think everyone knows there would have been a few easier jobs but I am not this kind of guy,” said Klopp. “I was always ready for the right job in the right situation where you can make a difference. To change things you need time. Liverpool is not in the most easy moment but I am not surprised. We could have had six points more, no problem. It is not too far away. That is how football is.
“A few things hadn’t worked – otherwise they would not have changed the manager – then you have an international break, injuries, re-injuries, and because of this other players are having to play. I am not David Copperfield. It is not about making things change and everything is OK. It is about work. I feel completely in the right place. I feel good, I like to work and I am still learning about everything.
“Of course I am disappointed with a few results and performances but I am positive and surprised by a few other performances. The players have shown me what is possible, sometimes for the team, sometimes for the individual.
“If it was easy, everyone could do it. That is clear. I never chose my jobs. The first job they gave me at Mainz because it was better than having me as a player! I am strong enough to handle pressure for a lot of people around me. I am not in doubt about my qualities as a manager. I know about the game and the importance of working together. That’s it.
“Nobody wants to hear this. Everyone just wants to have results. That is no problem. We are not in a perfect position but we are in a good way. I have no problem getting a few knocks and having a few beautiful moments along the way. We are preparing for the future.”
Klopp’s confidence has been helped in the present by the return of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi from injury. But before Christian Benteke’s return to Villa for the first time since his £32.5m transfer to Liverpool, the manager admits the striker’s self-belief has been affected by problems in front of goal. Benteke has not scored in 11 appearances for Liverpool, with his last goal coming at Sunderland on 30 December.
“In parts it was much better at West Ham because he was in a lot of situations,” added Klopp. “He had opportunities and he was reacting on the ball and had opportunities after set pieces. He was safer with the ball, but when you miss a chance it is not like it would be usually because you are thinking: ‘Still it didn’t change.’
“Of course in the end you will lose confidence or you will be a very silly person if something doesn’t work all the time like you are used to and you don’t. He is waiting for all his skills to come back but we speak about it like it is an illness. It is not. It is a situation and you can solve the problem on the pitch or in training or both.”

 

[summerisle]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/12/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-aston-villa?

Jürgen Klopp admits he has no magic formula to change Liverpool’s fortunes
• ‘To change things you need time,’ says Liverpool manager
• Klopp says Benteke is ‘waiting for all his skills to come back’

Jürgen Klopp has both Daniel Sturridge (left) and Divock Origi (right) available to face Aston Villa.​

Andy Hunter
Friday 12 February 2016 22.30 GMT

Jürgen Klopp has said he took the Liverpool job because it was the right one, not the easiest one, and that it would need David Copperfield to conjure an immediate transformation at Anfield.
Liverpool head to bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa on Sunday in ninth position having taken five points from a possible 18 in 2016 and with hopes of a second Wembley appearance this season dashed by West Ham United in the FA Cup on Tuesday. Klopp has had to navigate a way through a demanding fixture schedule with an extensive injury list, guiding Liverpool to the Capital One Cup final in the process, and call for compromise between the owner, Fenway Sports Group, and supporters over the ticket price controversy.
He insists, however, that Liverpool have held no surprises since he replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager in October and his early experiences will prove invaluable for the future.
“I think everyone knows there would have been a few easier jobs but I am not this kind of guy,” said Klopp. “I was always ready for the right job in the right situation where you can make a difference. To change things you need time. Liverpool is not in the most easy moment but I am not surprised. We could have had six points more, no problem. It is not too far away. That is how football is.
“A few things hadn’t worked – otherwise they would not have changed the manager – then you have an international break, injuries, re-injuries, and because of this other players are having to play. I am not David Copperfield. It is not about making things change and everything is OK. It is about work. I feel completely in the right place. I feel good, I like to work and I am still learning about everything.
“Of course I am disappointed with a few results and performances but I am positive and surprised by a few other performances. The players have shown me what is possible, sometimes for the team, sometimes for the individual.
“If it was easy, everyone could do it. That is clear. I never chose my jobs. The first job they gave me at Mainz because it was better than having me as a player! I am strong enough to handle pressure for a lot of people around me. I am not in doubt about my qualities as a manager. I know about the game and the importance of working together. That’s it.
“Nobody wants to hear this. Everyone just wants to have results. That is no problem. We are not in a perfect position but we are in a good way. I have no problem getting a few knocks and having a few beautiful moments along the way. We are preparing for the future.”
Klopp’s confidence has been helped in the present by the return of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi from injury. But before Christian Benteke’s return to Villa for the first time since his £32.5m transfer to Liverpool, the manager admits the striker’s self-belief has been affected by problems in front of goal. Benteke has not scored in 11 appearances for Liverpool, with his last goal coming at Sunderland on 30 December.
“In parts it was much better at West Ham because he was in a lot of situations,” added Klopp. “He had opportunities and he was reacting on the ball and had opportunities after set pieces. He was safer with the ball, but when you miss a chance it is not like it would be usually because you are thinking: ‘Still it didn’t change.’
“Of course in the end you will lose confidence or you will be a very silly person if something doesn’t work all the time like you are used to and you don’t. He is waiting for all his skills to come back but we speak about it like it is an illness. It is not. It is a situation and you can solve the problem on the pitch or in training or both.”

To misquote Mr Micawber : Annual income, silly money, annual expenditure even sillier money, result moaning deluded Kopites

 

[Pilks]

I know modern football isn't about this as much, but do you reckon any of their players feel a strong emotional connection to the club? Or are they just all just mercenaries like they brand anyone who doesn't sign for them?

Dey all just 'get' dem like...

 

[Yorkie]

Dey all just 'get' dem like...

"In some ways {INSERT NAME HERE}, welcome home."

 

[ste d' indica]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/12/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-aston-villa?

Jürgen Klopp admits he has no magic formula to change Liverpool’s fortunes
• ‘To change things you need time,’ says Liverpool manager
• Klopp says Benteke is ‘waiting for all his skills to come back’

Jürgen Klopp has both Daniel Sturridge (left) and Divock Origi (right) available to face Aston Villa.​

Andy Hunter
Friday 12 February 2016 22.30 GMT

Jürgen Klopp has said he took the Liverpool job because it was the right one, not the easiest one, and that it would need David Copperfield to conjure an immediate transformation at Anfield.
Liverpool head to bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa on Sunday in ninth position having taken five points from a possible 18 in 2016 and with hopes of a second Wembley appearance this season dashed by West Ham United in the FA Cup on Tuesday. Klopp has had to navigate a way through a demanding fixture schedule with an extensive injury list, guiding Liverpool to the Capital One Cup final in the process, and call for compromise between the owner, Fenway Sports Group, and supporters over the ticket price controversy.
He insists, however, that Liverpool have held no surprises since he replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager in October and his early experiences will prove invaluable for the future.
“I think everyone knows there would have been a few easier jobs but I am not this kind of guy,” said Klopp. “I was always ready for the right job in the right situation where you can make a difference. To change things you need time. Liverpool is not in the most easy moment but I am not surprised. We could have had six points more, no problem. It is not too far away. That is how football is.
“A few things hadn’t worked – otherwise they would not have changed the manager – then you have an international break, injuries, re-injuries, and because of this other players are having to play. I am not David Copperfield. It is not about making things change and everything is OK. It is about work. I feel completely in the right place. I feel good, I like to work and I am still learning about everything.
“Of course I am disappointed with a few results and performances but I am positive and surprised by a few other performances. The players have shown me what is possible, sometimes for the team, sometimes for the individual.
“If it was easy, everyone could do it. That is clear. I never chose my jobs. The first job they gave me at Mainz because it was better than having me as a player! I am strong enough to handle pressure for a lot of people around me. I am not in doubt about my qualities as a manager. I know about the game and the importance of working together. That’s it.
“Nobody wants to hear this. Everyone just wants to have results. That is no problem. We are not in a perfect position but we are in a good way. I have no problem getting a few knocks and having a few beautiful moments along the way. We are preparing for the future.”
Klopp’s confidence has been helped in the present by the return of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi from injury. But before Christian Benteke’s return to Villa for the first time since his £32.5m transfer to Liverpool, the manager admits the striker’s self-belief has been affected by problems in front of goal. Benteke has not scored in 11 appearances for Liverpool, with his last goal coming at Sunderland on 30 December.
“In parts it was much better at West Ham because he was in a lot of situations,” added Klopp. “He had opportunities and he was reacting on the ball and had opportunities after set pieces. He was safer with the ball, but when you miss a chance it is not like it would be usually because you are thinking: ‘Still it didn’t change.’
“Of course in the end you will lose confidence or you will be a very silly person if something doesn’t work all the time like you are used to and you don’t. He is waiting for all his skills to come back but we speak about it like it is an illness. It is not. It is a situation and you can solve the problem on the pitch or in training or both.”

The never-ending story of Liverpool FCs rebuild. It amazes me that they churn this absolute cobblers out and the press lap it up.
Spent millions. Came within a whisker of winning the league and finally validating (somewhat) that obscene profligacy. Completely arse it up. Lose a couple of very good players admittedly and struggle with injuries and fixtures (that's never happened to another team in the history of football obviously), but spend millions again.
To go backwards.
So now they still need more time (and money presumably) to rebuild?
Some bone headed pundit on Talkspurt the other day said "of course Liverpool will strengthen next season, blah blah".
There is no evidence of that whatsoever.
They're permanently the lead story on BBC sport. Embarrassing that it takes a 'he's mad him' foreign manager to keep them in the news.
Massive day in the title race tomorrow, and they're nowhere near it. Please God Villa, hand them they're arses.

 

[ToffeeDoug]

So Klopp insists on telling us that he is "no David Copperfield". I would have thought that a Dickensian tragedy full of doom, gloom and impending madness would suit him perfectly.

 

[degsy]

I know modern football isn't about this as much, but do you reckon any of their players feel a strong emotional connection to the club? Or are they just all just mercenaries like they brand anyone who doesn't sign for them?

do you really, really need to ask?

If you want loyalty buy a dog.

 

[Steve0]

Accounts are released in two weeks. Could be interesting.

 

[chicoazul]

It's collective ADD syndrome. They have to wail and get attention as they base being talked about in the media as validation of their importance, rather than not winning a title for over a quarter of a century and spending all that money.

Their lack of awareness is wonderful to watch.

 

[ToffeeDan]

The Jammy Dodderers - let's just have a quick look at the current fortunes of the 14 teams they could have - but didn't draw (2nd leg at home) in the Round of 32 in Big Vase

Fenerbahce - top Turkey Lge
Shaktar - 1st Ukraine
Dortmund - 2nd Bundesliga
Sporting - 2nd Portugal
Sparta Prague - 2nd Czech
Galatasaray - 3rd Turkey Lge
Anderlecht - 3rd Belgium
Midtjlanden - 3rd Denmark (beat Southampton in Qualifiers)
St Etienne - 4th France
Fiorentina - 4th Italy
Villarreal - 4th Spain
Seville - 5th Spain

Now the lesser lights..
Marseille - 10th France
Valencia - 14th - and falling - Spain

and, lest we forget - the team they got - Augsburg 14th of 18 Bundesliga and 2 points above the relegation zone..

Here's hoping the Krusty Kreme Jammy Doggers get stuffed!

 

[Tubey]

I honestly think Klopp is the ultimate chancer. I was roped into it when he was at Dortmund from outside, but when you think about it properly...

He had great success at Dortmund by building a cult of personality around himself and getting a team of reasonably talented players to like him.

I think he handpicked Liverpool as his next club instead of a top club for the same reasons. He needs a cult to work. I don't think he's actually much of a manager; rather a cult leader.

At one point he was regarded as one of the best managers in world football. Whereas the likes of Mourinho and Guardiola hand pick the very best, Klopp is content to manage the also rans in two divisions and not aim for the top tier.

 

[Darth Toffeeman]

The Jammy Dodderers - let's just have a quick look at the current fortunes of the 14 teams they could have - but didn't draw (2nd leg at home) in the Round of 32 in Big Vase

Fenerbahce - top Turkey Lge
Shaktar - 1st Ukraine
Dortmund - 2nd Bundesliga
Sporting - 2nd Portugal
Sparta Prague - 2nd Czech
Galatasaray - 3rd Turkey Lge
Anderlecht - 3rd Belgium
Midtjlanden - 3rd Denmark (beat Southampton in Qualifiers)
St Etienne - 4th France
Fiorentina - 4th Italy
Villarreal - 4th Spain
Seville - 5th Spain

Now the lesser lights..
Marseille - 10th France
Valencia - 14th - and falling - Spain

and, lest we forget - the team they got - Augsburg 14th of 18 Bundesliga and 2 points above the relegation zone..

Here's hoping the Krusty Kreme Jammy Doggers get stuffed!

More chance for injuries and tired players. Klopp loves a good stint of extra time too.
Let them get smashed in the last 16 or last 8 instead. They should be around 14th in the league by then too.

 

[Dan Tanner]

• Liverpool looking at ways to fill 1,000 seats that remain empty at Anfield
• The Reds have a plan to give ticket holders' seats away if they arrive late
• Officials admit many logistics must be considered before it is implemented
• Ian Ayre: 'Any trial will be initially restricted to approx. 150 local fans'

By Alex Miller For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 22:28, 13 February 2016 | Updated: 02:25, 14 February 2016
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...s-Lose-seat-arrive-late-Anfield.html#comments


Liverpool risk upsetting their fans again with an initiative that could see ticket holders' seats given away if they arrive late to matches at Anfield from next season.

It is understood the club are looking at ways to fill an average of 1,000 seats that remain empty during home games - many of them held by season-ticket holders who do not attend.

Club officials are looking to determine the feasibility of inviting a number of pre-registered fans to turn up on match days and be escorted into the ground after a certain amount of time to use empty seats free of charge.

+4
Reds risk upsetting fans again with a plan that could see ticket holders' seats given away if they arrive late

Liverpool officials admit there are a number of logistics to consider before a plan can be implemented, such as what to do if the fan actually turns up after their seat has been occupied by one of the 'lucky' fans.

While the initiative has been welcomed by supporters' groups, the club knows it risks upsetting ticket holders who arrive late for genuine reasons only to discover their seats have been given away.

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre told a recent supporters' committee meeting: 'Any trial will be initially restricted to approximately 150 local fans. This will ensure that any problems can be ironed out first before a full roll-out once the trial has proved successful.

'This will be supported by informing fans of the plan and for them to be aware that, if they arrive late, their seat may have been given away to a local fan.

'The club would also request that if the registered ticket holder is not planning to attend they should advise the club in advance so their ticket can be redistributed to a local fan who could then take up a seat prior to kick-off.'



Expect a lot of angry Red Mums shopping for new bedding at TJ's in the next few weeks, as there 50 year old virgin live at home sons will be daubing their sheets with natty slogans bemoaning the latest injustice to hit the little scamps