Jurgen Klopp optimistic, expects more from Liverpool following Tottenham draw
Known for expecting the most from his players, new Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expressed some refreshingly level-headed views of a handful of his players following Saturday's goalless draw at Tottenham.
Klopp demanded a high work rate from his squad at Borussia Dortmund, and if Saturday's match at White Hart Lane is any indication, Liverpool players should anticipate playing at a speed that was unfamiliar to them during Brendan Rodgers' tenure at the Merseyside club.
For the first time this season, the Spurs' patented brand of football highlighted by outrunning the opposition was eclipsed only by the efforts of Klopp's men.
(Courtesy: SkySports)
Klopp was asked about how some of his players have acclimated to his brand of football, and the two-time Bundesliga gaffer's assessment was both honest and accurate.
"We don't have to sprinkle magical dust on them: 'and now you can play football.' They know how to play. We just have to create a situation where it is possible to do this," Klopp said.
"I am not sure how many games you saw like this from Adam Lallana? I know him from Southampton and he can do 20-30 percent more," Klopp said about the 17-time capped England international.
Far from publicly shaming his players, Klopp admits that he expects more from the squad while praising them for having the potential to achieve greater things.
"Philippe Coutinho? Do you not think he can play better football than today? Of course, he can.
"Lucas (Leiva)? You don't think he can play balls on the right and left side? Of course he can. Emre Can? Learning between running and passing? He can learn."
"James Milner? The complete football player, the perfect professional. (You think) I should teach them technical aspects? They know. We have to altogether help them show it," he added.
Amid questions that the Liverpool squad developed by his predecessor wouldn't meet his demands for a high work rate, Klopp has countered by saying that he is optimistic by what he saw from his players Saturday and looks forward to building on the goalless draw.