Liverpool season so far: Can Jurgen Klopp salvage his new side's season?
The Merseysiders will enter a new era after the international break
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Who even knows any more? It's been an incredible week or so at Anfield with Brendan Rodgers' merciless dismissal being followed up with the appointment of Jurgen Klopp. One of the continent's biggest managerial talents now holds the reigns at Anfield and all bets are now off.
Fenway Sports Group, the club's owners, acted so decisively because they believe Liverpool can still salvage something from this season. By appointing Klopp, they have given themselves the best chance of doing so.
Who's on the horizon?
Klopp's first test will come at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur, who are unbeaten in the league since the opening day of the season.
It does not get any easier after that, with Premier League fixtures at home to Southampton, away to Chelsea and at home to Crystal Palace before the next international break.
Who's playing well?
Not him, not him, definitely not him... maybe Danny Ings? He's been the best of a rotten bunch so far this term, playing with the enterprise and spunk too often missing in his teammates.
He's not the only one, to be fair. Alberto Moreno's gradual improvement is encouraging and it looks as though Daniel Sturridge is on the verge of finding form. Nevertheless, improvement needed.
Who's playing badly?
Simon Mignolet is still spreading panic, Martin Skrtel only slightly less so, while Dejan Lovren's broken ankle is doing both himself and Liverpool supporters a favour by keeping him out of contention.
These are by no means Liverpool's only under-performers and remains to be seen what changes Klopp will make but, of the aforementioned three, Skrtel's place is the most under threat. The Slovakian's unsuitability to a high defensive line may do for him.
How have the summer signings settled in?
With varying degrees of success. As mentioned, Ings has impressed. Nathaniel Clyne's solid if unspectacular presence at right-back is a welcome addition and youngster Joe Gomez started well before dropping out of the side.
Others are taking time to adjust. The summer's biggest signing Christian Benteke has impressed but only in patches and James Milner is yet to truly make the central midfield berth his own. On that subject, if anybody knows how Roberto Firmino fits into this side, do let us know.
The arrival of Klopp, however, brings a fresh chance to impress for those who are still finding their feet.
Anyone injured?
Jordan Henderson's absence looks set to stretch into November. The tireless captain will be an important cog in Klopp's intense gegenpressing system but he will have to wait before making his first appearance under the new manager.
Despite missing international duty with Brazil, Philippe Coutinho should be available this weekend. Firmino and Lovren are expected to return later this month from their respective back and ankle problems, and Jon Flanagan should finally return in December.
What needs to happen?
Let's all remind ourselves to 'calm down' and preferrably not in the style of Harry Enfield. Klopp himself has already magnanimously admitted that he is not the second coming of Jesus Christ. After all, to be a success at Anfield, he merely needs to prove he is a coach who can keep this club in the top four.
Then again, as some might say, that could take a miracle.
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