Liverpool, ‘on fire’

Leaving Craven Cottage in London alive and well, after overcoming, on the banks of the Thames, another night of cold and misery, Jurgen Klopp faced a group of loyal ‘red’ fans, who were ecstatic about qualifying for the EFL final Cup (Carabao Cup) , to celebrate with them the draw (1-1) against Fulham, in the close second leg on Wednesday: “We are on fire,” he told them, raised his fist to share another good result in returning to the titles. Liverpool will play the final at Wembley on February 25 against Chelsea, in a season that was initially one of rebuilding, where everything is fine. Actually, it’s a very long streak.

Klopp went into the final without his star and scorer, Mohamed Salah, now injured after his time at the African Cup with Egypt, and also without two of his mainstays, Trent Alexander-Arnold and the Hungarian Szoboszlai, but holding on to the conviction he achieved this year with his entire crew. It already features a number of youngsters from the Kirkby academy who are taking their first steps into the first team and who are the future of the Reds. His Liverpool is looking for a quadruple victory this year, because, secretly, in addition to being the outstanding leader of the English league, it is alive in all competitions. His emotional and sporting transformation is surprising. The communion with his followers is once again whole. ‘Imagine being us’ read a descriptive ‘red’ banner displayed in the Craven Cottage visitors’ stand, written with the fervor that Liverpool’s dreams allow.

When they play at Anfield on Sunday against Norwich City, in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and after eliminating Arsenal at the Emirates (0-2), the Reds will do it with such a sense of satisfaction and, More here, already knew. into play, with three of the five ‘big’ English teams already out of the race for the FA Cup title. Two ties, Tottenham-Manchester City and Chelsea-Aston Villa, will ‘remove’ the path of major obstacles, in a horizon that increases the optimism of the Merseyside club, because they are also in the round of 16 of the Europa League.

Positive against fatigue

However, Klopp has an outspoken complaint for the leaders of English football. And he knows his players have been playing at the limit for too long. “At some point, somebody had to hit the brakes.” (At some point, someone has to step on the brakes), he blames them for the demands of the calendar for the second half of the season. He fights them, however, by injecting positivity and a fierce competitive spirit.

Sunday’s FA Cup match against Norwich is the first of a four-front rematch, with Klopp having to force his players into balance. The intensity and physical fatigue that the calendar will require reminded the ‘red’ family that the successful season 2021-22, in which Liverpool played 63 games and won the FA Cup and League Cup, and he was also runner-up in the Premier League, after Manchester City, and the Champions League, won by Real Madrid. He reached the finals at the limit of his strength. “It was very fun, but very intense,” remembers Klopp, who because of his experience wanted to stop any expected euphoria this time. “Look, I’m very happy that our fans feel that way,” said Jürgen Klopp after defeating Fulham, “but you shouldn’t take for granted that you are part of a team that can compete for trophies.” Send your experience.

Klopp is now only obsessed with “keeping the pace”, as Liverpool’s best weapon to successfully reach the goal. They will bolster themselves with the return of some of those absent, such as Andrew Robertson, since October, who is already on the bench at Craven Cottage. But, even without their star Salah, the Reds managed well. On Sunday, Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota shared the spotlight in the match against Bournemouth (0-4) and against Fulham it was Colombian Luis Díaz who saved the team.

Renewal and future plans

Taking advantage of absences and injuries, Klopp bravely launched himself to support the youngest members of the squad. To hold off Fulham on Wednesday, Liverpool took to the field with full-back Conor Bradley and centre-back Jarell Quansah, both 20, and striker Bobby Clark, just 18, preparing to them for ‘battles’ in the coming months. . Curtis Jones (22) and Harvey Elliott (20) have been entering rotations for a long time. And Owen Beck (21) and Kaide Gordon (19) also made their debut. “These guys are important and they are really growing at the moment,” said Klopp, after the difficult match in London. A slow adjustment with the men from Kirkby, so long planned, adds even more value.

So far, the German coach of records has achieved what he set out to do: revive Liverpool and bring it back to its former glory. It was a remarkable achievement to reach a ninth final, more than one per season during his years on Merseyside. It will also be the third against Chelsea, with the special magic of Wembley Stadium, the most played English national final (five times) and a repeat of one in 2022, with the ‘reds’ winning on penalties. After a blank year, it was time for his long-awaited return and that superb streak, guided by Klopp’s shrewdness, continues to impress everyone in the United Kingdom.