Jurgen Klopp's hugs are the secret to Liverpool's return to form against Manchester City, reveals Simon Mignolet
Klopp is spreading a feel-good factor around Anfield, but he is also changing the way Liverpool approach games tactically
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has revealed the secret behind Jürgen Klopp’s new managerial methods since replacing Brendan Rodgers – hugs.
The Belgium international impressed during Liverpool’s brilliant 4-1 victory over Premier League champions-elect Manchester City on Saturday, a result that showed the title picture is far from a one-horse race this season.
Liverpool finally looked like a Klopp team, attacking with pace and clinical finishing on the counter while exposing City’s issues in defence when Vincent Kompany is not available for selection.
But while Klopp’s tactical alterations could be behind the improvement in the Reds side, Mignolet has made the humorous revelation that his hugs for “all the players” is helping them get a “good feeling”.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Mignolet said: "He's hugged all of the players and it gives you a good feeling because you know that he's behind you and supporting you."
However, while Klopp’s friendly gesture is spreading a feel-good factor around Anfield, Mignolet did shed light on the work the 48-year-old German is doing on the training pitch that is helping them with their defence.
"It's something that just has to be done,” Mignolet says of Klopp’s high-pressing tactics. “From the first day he arrived, it's something that we've worked really hard on."
Klopp will hope that Liverpool’s welcome return to form in the Premier League can transfer to their Europa League campaign on Thursday when they take on Bordeaux in Group B. As things stand, the Reds sit in second place, two points off group leaders FC Sion, and a victory will confirm their progression to the last-32 and set-up a winner-takes-top-spot clash with the Swiss club on 10 December.
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