After a long absence, Jürgen Klopp’s reaction to Sunday’s 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United suggested a brave new age of psychological tactics in the Premier League. Notably, this was in stark contrast to José Mourinho’s contentious comments and Alex Ferguson’s suggestion that Leeds United would purposefully play Newcastle softly to prevent Manchester United from winning the league.
It was Klopp’s words that piqued my interest, though, because modern Premier League managers are notoriously careful when criticizing their rivals. Klopp said, “Arsenal is a formidable football team,” in response to a question regarding the forthcoming meeting between the league leaders and Old Trafford. United will undoubtedly lose to Arsenal if they keep this style of play. Sad to break the news to you.
When seen in an impartial light, it is an undeniable fact: The first 17 shots of the game were all by Liverpool, who were the better team. Mind games are intriguing because they can transform seemingly innocuous comments into weapons of division and rallying points for opposing viewpoints. Straightforwardly, Klopp increased the pressure on Arsenal and, if he is to be believed, inspired United.
Even though his team lost first place in the league, Klopp kept his cool. “To be honest, I’m not very excited about it,” he responded. “The outcome may not be the most exceptional I’ve encountered, but I am satisfied with it.” Since our present strategy might fall short of the mark, we must reevaluate it. Absolute nonsense. Nevertheless, we are cognizant of that.Keep your cool, Liverpool.
Obviously, that’s how he ought to be. Just seven games remain. Regardless of what happens in the last two months of the season, the manager who keeps his cool and continues to gain the team’s faith will most likely win. An everlasting recollection is the iconic 1995–96 event involving Kevin Keegan, which began with his fervent tirade in reaction to Ferguson and ended with him draped over the Anfield advertising hoarding following a 4-3 loss.
Meanwhile, Klopp needs to reflect on Liverpool’s pointless loss to Manchester United. United lost against Liverpool on Sunday by a resounding margin. With 28 attempts to their opponent’s 11, they enjoyed a substantial shooting lead. They prevailed with an xG score of 3.6 to 0.7. Before United’s first shot—a clinical one from 45 yards by Bruno Fernandes—they ought to have been out of sight. On top of that, it fits into a bigger pattern.
Despite having the best overall xG in the Premier League, Liverpool has scored three goals less than Arsenal, which is somewhat shocking. Even though the xG had them winning by more than a goal against Manchester City at home, they were only able to manage a draw. Despite playing on home territory, they were unable to pull off the expected resounding triumph over United.
Their ineffectiveness was more subtle un the home match against Arsenal, but it was still noticeable. Liverpool might blame the video assistant referee’s mistake that cost them a goal against Tottenham if they don’t win the league this year. Yet they must take full responsibility for losing vital matches since they missed key opportunities.
Nobody should take Diogo Jota’s withdrawal from Sunday’s match at Old Trafford and three important home games lightly. It has not been easy for Mohamed Salah to get back into game shape following an injury he experienced at the Africa Cup of Nations. When Jota isn’t giving it his all, it’s noticeable.
Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz’s outstanding abilities considerably boost Liverpool’s dominant performance in opposition matches. In contrast to Arsenal and City’s careful control, Liverpool’s style exudes a happy chaos. As was the case last week at Anfield following goals from Brighton and Sheffield United, it’s spectacular to watch and frequently makes opponents feel overwhelmed.
The other side of the coin is that passive aggressiveness could be to blame for the impression of disorder. Even though they’ve been in last place most of the season, Liverpool has nevertheless managed to rack up 27 points. That they were able to pull through is a testament to their strength and will. But it does make one wonder how often these kinds of scenarios occur to them.
Why were they behind after 15 matches when they had such a dominant record in the league? Maybe no club can always play to Liverpool’s peak intensity, but even they have their moments—like early in Sunday’s second half—when they lose steam.
This may explain Klopp’s decision to tackle a different problem. At the highest level of the league, the competition is fierce on the field. There has never been any place for media slurs between Klopp and Guardiola, and Mikel Arteta is witnessing a title race like he has never seen before. Showing off sophisticated mind games really makes an already exciting competition even more exciting.
