Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged that Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United in December marked a turning point in their pursuit of the Premier League title this season.
Before that match, Liverpool had been showing promising results, but a string of draws against teams like Luton and Brighton, a loss to Tottenham, and a chaotic 4-3 win over Fulham had raised doubts about their title credentials.
Since then, Liverpool’s performance in 2024 has been formidable. With just two dropped points this calendar year, they currently trail behind Arsenal in the standings but have a game in hand, which could see them reclaim the top spot if they win against Sheffield United on Thursday.
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Reflecting on the significance of the draw with United, Klopp explained how it revitalized their full counter-press mentality.
“After the United match, I expressed my satisfaction with the game,” Klopp stated. “Even though it ended goalless, it was pivotal for us as our aggressive pressing style came back into play.
“We had discussed this approach before the game, emphasizing the importance of being dominant in a different manner. Winning back possession high up the pitch increases our chances of scoring, and that’s been our focus ever since that match.”
Klopp emphasized the shift in Liverpool’s season following that encounter, which helped them play the way they wanted.
“The first part of the season was unusual; we were getting results but not always convincingly,” Klopp remarked. “However, the meeting before the United game marked a turning point. Since then, we’ve consistently delivered performances aligned with our playing philosophy.”