Better a TKO victory in a supporting card bout than getting put on your arse and knocked out in a top of the bill fight.
I think that will come. I hope it will, at least. I might disagree with your last part though; I think results probably instill more confidence than style does, and we've still only lost two games under Klopp, albeit we've drawn quite a few, and I think the Newcastle game showed he's still trying things out. Maybe it's a case of getting the results first to gain confidence, and then using that basis to develop the style (you know, like LVG's doing at Man U )? Or maybe he just doesn't think he currently has the players to play with style, especially when the likes of Coutinho and Sturridge are injured?
Now we won the group, do we get put into the champions league? May as well with the ridiculous rules as it is.
what did we get from this game then? 1. Henderson played 75mins. thats a step towards fitness 2. Benteke was not played so has no excuse not to run about v west brom. 3. as benteke was not played he cannot be blamed fro a lack of intensity 4. toure played and didn't get injured... amazingly... skertl got a rest then 5. smith played thus resting moerno but also he did "ok" which means LFC have then got another option at the back in the full back spots. Randall and smith have done just ok and thats a start for them so both can be pleased with this. 6. coutinho return to action. 7. no injuries to speak of. 8. we did end up top of a very easy group. so thats about it. it was very poor stuff and really nobody need care about that as the job at immediate hand was done.
I think it will come with better players and more consistency. I do agree newcastle and swansea games showed us trying things for sure. However I think klopp's job is to do the best for LFC not for individual players so i think there is a time when the cull will come... AGAIN..... If he can get 30% more out of players per the lallana comment it can go a long way but to actually achieve anything he will have to change things.
Thought Smith was alright. Would be good to see him tested defensively though. Randall may very well improve but right now, he's a liability. Could be forgiven somewhat for being skinned against Soton but he also struggled against Bournemouth and that's the worrying thing.
Sounds like it was a bit of a meh game from what I've read. Pitch was bad so I guess important thing was to not lose and not get any injuries... job done in that respect. Another clean sheet with a couple of changes at the back = good Hendo getting game time = good Cout making a come back = good Cant complain too much really.
Both have not been afraid to get past the half way line thats the biggest thing I think. they would both struggle against a good senior pro in the prem cos neither have the experience even at their age to cope. I think both can do a job and can be coached in the areas they need to improve in. however..... they are boht only assets as they are HG players and in positions where you can carry such players. same as flanagan. having 3 full backs like that is a bit much of course but at least they are there and help with squad due to rules we have to obey.
It was quite amazing that they could have a pitch like it. the russians had better albeit earlier in year. Yes all these are good things in the absence of the performance. the level of opposition was dire.
Was an awful game In which neither team really cared. It was professional - as you say, we finish top and got a clean sheet whilst giving some players more minutes. MITO - agree that Randal gets up the pitch but his defending is atrocious. Manquillo is younger than him and is light years ahead.