Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was pleased with the Reds’ performance in their 0-0 draw with the Blues on Saturday, saying they could build on a positive display.
What did Jurgen Klopp say?
The Reds took just one point from their last three PL matches, leaving them nine points short of fourth place. Despite the start with the struggling blues, Jurgen Klopp saw enough positives from the performance of his team.
The Liverpool head coach said they started well in the first half and second half; they had good spells, but they couldn’t keep them. According to Jurgen Klopp, they have to be ready to take small steps, and this is a small step. A clean slate against the Blues, they didn’t create many chances and they had some too. They defended in the second half with passion and organization, but were too deep in those moments. In the end, Klopp agrees with 0-0 because they have to take those steps. They can get away with it. Klopp says both teams were very aggressive.
What will happen after that for Liverpool?
The Reds are currently eighth in the PL and are 18 points behind the leaders of the Gunners after 19 matches. The Anfield side are back in action on 29 January when they host the Seagulls in the FA Cup.
The Liverpool manager says he would like incredibly valuable English midfielder James Milner to stay with the Reds after the end of his current contract.
A little about James Milner
James’ deal expires at the end of the season but Jurgen wants to keep him at Anfield and believes he is still capable of playing a role for the club despite turning 37 earlier this month. James has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, playing straight from the back as well as in his preferred midfield. While there is acknowledgment that the Reds need fresh blood and new signings this summer, Jurgen believes they have a lot to lose in terms of mentality, professionalism and character if they let their vice-captain go.
The German coach told reporters they have different plans for James Milner but James wants to keep playing and when they see him play that night against Wolverhampton Wanderers he thinks everyone understands. According to Klopp, they cannot judge him normally for his age. He’s 37, but Milner doesn’t look like that day when he’s in training. The German believes that James Milner is an incredibly important player and in this game they also saw him serve.
Klopp added that it’s not something James Milner expects to play 64 games in a season, but in a 64-game season, James could be extremely important. The way it is. Milner reached 600 games and most of them were for Liverpool. Even a player who has had multiple clubs can end up in his club and Klopp would consider the Reds as his club and he is pretty sure the club should use his character and his mindset because he is really special.
The Liverpool manager says there may be more trendy players out there, but no one with a similar mindset, and that makes him incredibly valuable to them. And it’s not because he’s too devoted; it’s just a fact.