Dietmar Hamann explains how Jurgen Klopp avoids Liverpool criticism
The former Liverpool midfielder believes Jurgen Klopp has done well to keep the fans and media on side
Dietmar Hamann believes Jurgen Klopp’s ability to keep the fans and media on side has helped the Liverpool manager avoid criticism of recent results.
The 18-time English champions made a disappointing start to 2017 after Liverpool failed to win their first Premier League game of the calendar year until 11 February.
Liverpool have since racked up three successive home victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Burnley to get their top-four bid back on track.
Klopp is looking to guide Liverpool back into the Champions League for the first time since 2013-14 after the German coach replaced Brendan Rodgers back in October 2015.
Liverpool will host their neighbours Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in Saturday’s early kick-off in the Premier League.
Speaking to Paddy Power about Liverpool’s progress under Klopp over the past 18 months or so, former Reds midfielder Hamann said:
“The Reds had a rotten January and February, and that the only reason Klopp didn’t get more stick was that he’s still got the punters and some of the press onside. If they lose to Everton, then things change. It’s a huge match for the Liverpool manager, not only for this season, but also in the long term.
“If he wants Liverpool to be successful, he’s got to keep the fans behind him. There’s no better way of doing that than beating their city rivals.”
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Liverpool finished in eighth place in their first season under Klopp following his appointment as Rodgers’s successor.
The Reds were 1-0 winners at Everton at Goodison Park back in December.
