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Klopp may not have a Plan B ... but I do

I’m calling today Flat Thursday. Why? Because I’m feeling as flat as a pancake. Absolutely deflated. Football eh.

January 26, 2017 10:40
2 min read

Unlike some of my fellow Liverpool-supporting pals, I had a bad feeling prior to yesterday’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton. The Saints, to their credit, have become our bogey team. Other than the 6-1 win a year ago, we have struggled to break them down, despite, as some have pointed out, signing a number of their players.

The absence of Sadio Mane is clearly hampering the team’s progress. We desperately need him back quick-fast. What a ridiculous time to have a major tournament in Africa. I believe the players more than the manager should shoulder most of the blame. Klopp has millions of admirers for his geggen-pressing style, but a simple tweak here and adjustment there could have done the trick at an expectant Anfield last night.

As Sky Sports pundit and former Red Jamie Carragher pointed out, Emre Can and captain Jordan Henderson do not work together in midfield. So why play them, Jurgen? I agreed with his decision to shoe-horn Daniel Sturridge into the starting XI. Afterall, we needed a goal in 90 minutes. And he’d have scored one of those chances 99 times out of 100.

But back to the midfield, I’m a great believer of nothing ventured, nothing gained in football. Firmino is a far greater threat down the middle, with Lallana just behind him. And Coutinho floating around. But Southampton sat back and were rarely stretched. And they picked Liverpool off on the break. Home and away.