I view it as being a sort of dormant force that exists in every Red, akin to some sort of genetic memory, formed from the glory years and kept burning by Istanbul and Rafa’s Champions League success; the good times must come back, some time.
But, to balance this enthusiasm is that touch of pessimism and realism which blunts the edges of our belief in glory to come, because we’ve basically been average for some time. The overall result of these conflicting pre-season views is a group of supporters who constantly feel we are on the cusp, but that we could be on that cusp for some time to come.
Jürgen Klopp, in typically volcanic fashion, has entirely endorsed the former point of view, trying to revitalise that dormant feeling of supremacy and domination – you can’t win anything, without turning doubters into believers. The boss has constantly reiterated this since his arrival on Merseyside, urging the supporters to believe, and to help build Anfield into the fortress it once was.
Without explicitly stating so, it is with this view that Klopp is approaching the new season. His inherent winning mentality, coupled with his past success with the sleeping giant of German football will be fuelling his ambition to bring the title home. This is not unrealistic analysis: I’m not saying we are going to win the league, just that Klopp will believe we can and will.
This attitude has reflected his ruthlessness in the transfer market, both in terms of arrivals and departures. The signings of Karius, Klavan and Matip are real statements of intent and help to shore up what has been at times a fragile defence. Along with Lovern and Sakho (depending on what happens following his dismissal from the American tour), these new signings gives Klopp defensive depth and offers him the possibility of being flexible between a back three and four.
Additionally, the arrival of Grujić, Wijnaldum and Mané, add a dynamism to the attack that has been missing in seasons past. These players will bring goals from midfield, an attribute that could be the difference in a season of fine margins.
Klopp’s shrewdness in brining in new recruits has been matched by his ruthlessness in trimming the squad. Joe Allen’s departure, whatever you think of the player himself (I am a great admirer of Allen, am sad to see him go and hope he goes on to have a brilliant future with Wales and Stoke) is testament to the fact that the team comes first, at whatever cost. A parallel could be drawn with Kolo Toure’s exit following his great display in the Europa League final. Klopp is engineering a squad that fits his model of football, and that, ultimately, he feels will deliver the League to Anfield.
Talking of that Europa League Final, the disappointments of that night, added to by the memory of the League Cup Final will be further fuelling Klopp’s determination to deliver success at Liverpool. And, we fans should continue to be believers; lets not forget, we have Europe’s best young manager, the might of a famous institution behind us and an increasingly strong-looking squad. We are Liverpool, and we should always act as such.
It may not be this year that Klopp delivers the title, but he will over his tenure. And, when he does – what a feeling it will be.
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