The Rafa-ization of Jurgen Klopp

[Paul Marin]

The bookies give LFC virtually no chance of getting past Dortmund in the quarter final tie between the two teams. The last time we have been this marginalised at a similar stage was in the 2005 quarter finals against Italian powerhouse Juventus, who were widely picked to lift the trophy that year. Rafa Benitez showed the world the effectiveness of a stingy defense. After winning 2-1 in a major upset at Anfield (who can forget Ibrahimovic's MISS and Garcia's wonder strike), the Reds went on to draw in the away leg nil all in Turin.

Klopp faces a similar challenge. Like Rafa's reds 10+ years ago, we are huge underdogs. The key in this game is defending, something we have not been good at all season. However, we have had a decent 5 day break since the draw at home against Spurs. The gaffer now has to ask himself "What is the best strategy to keep Dortmund off the board?" This is a tough objective - Dortmund has been scoreless only once in the Europa League this year, and only twice domestically - and one of those was in a 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich.

If Klopp wants to cement himself in LFC folklore, then figuring out a way to get past his old club will do the trick but only if he can go on to lift the trophy. They didn't think Rafa could do it either, but while we didn't make top 4 under Rafa then, winning the trophy (especially in the dramatic way we did) righted that ship in what was otherwise a disappointing season. Your turn Mr. Klopp...you can do this. YNWA.

[Peter R]

Jurgen Klopp is, unfortunately, being "Rafaized" in other ways.

I think the noveliXt Dan Brown, while under the influenXe of some seriouX high grade wrote about LFC managers (both past and present). The book is called: Angels and Demons

[Sir X]

One of your best post of the decade, I take my hat off to you Sir Paul. Lucid and honest !

[Paul Marin]

Jurgen Klopp is, unfortunately, being "Rafaized" in other ways.

I think the noveliXt Dan Brown, while under the influenXe of some seriouX high grade wrote about LFC managers (both past and present). The book is called: Angels and Demons

LOL! JK has the same problems BR and Rafa had. He has no one who can put the ball in the back of the net (except Torres and Suarez). Without goals, nothing matters.

[Peter R]

LFC: this season "not good enough to turn chances into goals" (commentator on my feed)... and indeed a few seasons now!

[Peter R]

Booommm!!!

[Paul Marin]

The bookies give LFC virtually no chance of getting past Dortmund in the quarter final tie between the two teams. The last time we have been this marginalised at a similar stage was in the 2005 quarter finals against Italian powerhouse Juventus, who were widely picked to lift the trophy that year. Rafa Benitez showed the world the effectiveness of a stingy defense. After winning 2-1 in a major upset at Anfield (who can forget Ibrahimovic's MISS and Garcia's wonder strike), the Reds went on to draw in the away leg nil all in Turin.

Klopp faces a similar challenge. Like Rafa's reds 10+ years ago, we are huge underdogs. The key in this game is defending, something we have not been good at all season. However, we have had a decent 5 day break since the draw at home against Spurs. The gaffer now has to ask himself "What is the best strategy to keep Dortmund off the board?" This is a tough objective - Dortmund has been scoreless only once in the Europa League this year, and only twice domestically - and one of those was in a 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich.

If Klopp wants to cement himself in LFC folklore, then figuring out a way to get past his old club will do the trick but only if he can go on to lift the trophy. They didn't think Rafa could do it either, but while we didn't make top 4 under Rafa then, winning the trophy (especially in the dramatic way we did) righted that ship in what was otherwise a disappointing season. Your turn Mr. Klopp...you can do this. YNWA.

Rafa-ization of Jurgen Klopp fi true!!! Say what you will, Mr. Klopp does things his own way. Despite my cry for a proper defense, dem let in 3 but still managed an epic comeback. I wonder what the odds on BOTH Lovren and Sakho scoring were in that game? Whether MY SIDE lifts the trophy or not, this match is firmly cemented in LFC history. There are only a few in recent memory that make the faithful tingle - Gerrard's goal against Olympiacos, the FA Cup final against WHU, the 2005 UCL Finals, and of course, this game last night.