Four things Jurgen Klopp got wrong and one right as Liverpool suffer Forest embarrassment
Liverpool suffered a hugely embarrassing 1-0 defeat on their travels to Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest.
Despite having the lion’s share of possession, the Reds were unable to break down a resilient Forest side, who deservedly entered the break on level terms. Taiwo Awoniyi’s sucker punch 10 minutes into the second half then gave the hosts a shock lead.
They were able to hold on thanks to Dean Henderson’s vital save in stoppage time from Virgil van Dijk’s header, registering a major win which drew them – at least temporarily – off the bottom of the table.
For Liverpool, the result marked a low point in an already troublesome season – and Jurgen Klopp has to take some of the blame for the following things he got wrong.
READ MORE: Fans baffled by Thiago Alcantara’s odd injury as Liverpool star misses Forest clash
Wrong – Starting Jones instead of Henderson
(Image: PA)
In fairness, injuries and not signing a new central midfielder in the summer have left Klopp hamstrung with this one. And yet another problem for Thiago, this time an ear infection of all things, couldn’t have been foreseen.
It was Curtis Jones who came into the starting XI alongside Fabinho in the midfield two, and the youngster endured a nightmare first half. He was caught in possession on more than one occasion and was also drawn into silly fouls.
While Jordan Henderson played the 90 against West Ham on Wednesday (October 19), he should have started the game instead and then he could’ve been brought off for Jones in the second half if he couldn’t manage another full match.
What would you say Klopp got wrong? Let us know in the comments section.
Wrong – Not changing formation
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Again, Thiago’s unplanned-for absence didn’t help Klopp, but at that point it would have made sense to ditch the 4-4-2 formation he’s been implementing in recent weeks. The best managers are able to adapt on a moment’s notice.
With Jones alongside Fabinho, Liverpool were outnumbered in the middle of the park and were vulnerable to the counter, which Forest capitalised on.
If Harvey Elliott or Fabio Carvalho had been moved back and Klopp gone for a 4-3-3 instead to match up Forest, they would have enjoyed far more success.
Wrong – Not adapting at half-time
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Klopp could be forgiven for not switching it up before kick-off – but not adapting to the flow of the game at the break was criminal.
Fans could see they were getting nowhere quickly after the dire opening 45 but the German persisted as the Reds returned to do it all over again at the restart.
As Albert Einstein declared, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”. CC: Jurgen.
Right – Starting Elliott on the right instead of Salah
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While Elliott maybe should have been in a midfield three, he excelled out on the right and was Liverpool’s main creative focus with Trent Alexander-Arnold rested. It was perhaps the only thing Klopp got right.
The 19-year-old again showed what huge potential he has and importantly, he freed up Salah to play further forward where his influence can be felt much more – albeit not today.
Klopp should stick with playing Elliott on the right if he’s not going to waver on the 4-4-2 formation. His link-up play with Alexander-Arnold would help pick the Reds up against Leeds next week.
Wrong – Playing a possession game
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Liverpool dominated possession, having a mega 75% of the ball, without really doing anything with it. They played into Forest’s hands with that plan.
The hosts treated it like an away game in that sense by putting 11 men behind the ball, with the impetus on Liverpool to break them down.
As much as Klopp’s side should always look to be in control, playing on the break is one of their strengths, and that would have opened up the space they so desperately needed.
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