Jurgen Klopp’s first game as Liverpool manager gave us a fascinating insight into how things could take shape over the coming years.
Gone was the experimental 5 at the back which Bredan Rodgers regularly tinkered with in the latter stages of his tenure.
And in came three hard-working central midfielders in front of the defence in a formation which looked like a sort of Christmas tree 4-3-2-1.
And this was a hard working Liverpool which covered 116km – more than any other team has run this season so far.
Of course Klopp was dictated to by injuries and a home match against Rubin Kazan could see a more attacking formation.
The question is how seriously the Liverpool boss will take this competition – will he see it as a hindrance or his best chance of silverware this season?
We think it’s a crime not to prioritise Europe and hope that Klopp will take The Europa League seriously – particularly as it now offers the winner a Champions League spot.
It looks as if Sturridge, Ings, Benteke, Firmino and Henderson will all miss this one.
So Klopp’s options are once more limited to the point where we think that he may well go for an identical line up for the game against Kazan.
It certainly looks like the most solid line up, based on the options available to the manager right now.
Liverpool fans: discuss
