Klopp faces first BPL test at White White Hart Lane

Ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, we preview Jurgen Klopp’s first game in charge away at White White Hart Lane.

The match on Saturday will see Jurgen Klopp take charge of his first match as the new Liverpool manager. The former Borussia Dortmund boss arrived last Friday promising “full attacking” football at Anfield. The German’s appointment at Liverpool has brought huge excitement on Merseyside, but this will be the game soccer fans and enthusiast will find out if he can turn things around and take Liverpool to the promise land.

Klopp has not had much time to instill his views on his players with most of his team having been away on international duty. He also arrives at a time when many of his squad are out injured, which will make reading too much into his team selection difficult. Philip Coutinho, Dejan Lovren, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson are among those set to miss the game at White Hart Lane.

Liverpool’s form against Spurs in recent times has been sensational.

The last five meeting scorelines read: 3-2, 0-3, 4-0, 0-5, 3-2. That’s an aggregate scoreline of 18-4 in Liverpool’s favour.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have not lost since their opening day defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford and have moved up to eighth in the premier league table and are within biting distance of the top four.

Spurs sensational, Harry Kane, has been struggling to recapture his stunning form of last season, scoring just once in eight games for Spurs. But have been showing signs of returning to his best, including a couple of decent performances for England during the international break.

But the Spurs hitman has warned Klopp that Tottenham will go the extra mile to ensure his Liverpool reign starts badly at White Hart Lane.

“We have out-run every team we have played this season,” Kane said.

“That is a sign we are playing the manager’s tactics right and fit enough to do it.

“So, we are doing it again on Saturday.

“We expect that a tough game, but we know what we have to win. We have out-run every team we have played and will be looking to do so again.”

Klopp’s first game in his new job will be on Saturday lunchtime at Spurs home ground, who are unbeaten in the Barclays Premier League since their defeat at Manchester United on the opening day of the season.

Spurs have moved to within two points of the top four with a philosophy based on Totenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino’s demand for selfless commitment, energy and high-intensity football.

The German manager will be hoping this isn’t the game in which Kane begins to fully start firing again.

 

Anthony Nlebem