Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says Jurgen
Klopp has been a breath of fresh air since taking over
as Liverpool's new manager in October.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has hailed the impact
Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp has had on the Premier
League.
Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers in October and has overseen
just one Liverpool defeat since arriving at Anfield, compiling
impressive wins against Chelsea and Manchester City, while
routing Koeman's Southampton 6-1 in the League Cup quarter-
finals midweek.
Koeman saw first hand the effect Klopp has had on Liverpool
following his arrival as Southampton were torn apart on
Wednesday, despite taking an early lead.
"Jurgen Klopp plays real attacking football - the kind of football
the public wants to see," the Dutchman said.
"It is completely different stuff. We now see a totally different
Liverpool side. They are an exception compared to the biggest
clubs in the Premier League.
"None of the big clubs dare to play real attacking
football. Manchester City don't do it, Manchester
United don't, Arsenal don't and Chelsea don't.
"Their intentions are totally different. They all drop back a bit,
they wait for a mistake and then come out to attack. That is not
what I call taking initiative. They don't want to be dominant or
attack, despite all the quality they have."
Klopp's impact at Liverpool has been so pronounced the side
are now being talked of as potential Premier League winners
despite being seventh in the table, nine points behind surprise
leaders Leicester City.
"What Klopp does right now in football in this country is so
refreshing. His approach is really what the Premier League
needs," added Koeman.
"Physically and defensively the Premier League is the best in the
world, but there are hardly any big teams who are prepared to
play proper attacking and entertaining football.
"What Klopp now brings to England will raise the level of football
and will make games more attractive for the fans."
Koeman highlighted Liverpool's strength in depth after Roberto
Firmino, James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Christian
Benteke were named on the bench for the trip to St Mary's.
"This is why Liverpool could compete with the best clubs now
that Klopp has them playing so great," he said.
"I have always admired coaches who have the guts to go
forward so much. Klopp is not passive. He does not wait. He
wants his team to be the boss on the pitch and go for it.
"You don’t win 3-1 [away] against Chelsea, 4-1 [away] against
Man City and 6-1 against Southampton without a serious idea
about top-level football."
Klopp has been a breath of fresh air since taking over
as Liverpool's new manager in October.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has hailed the impact
Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp has had on the Premier
League.
Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers in October and has overseen
just one Liverpool defeat since arriving at Anfield, compiling
impressive wins against Chelsea and Manchester City, while
routing Koeman's Southampton 6-1 in the League Cup quarter-
finals midweek.
Koeman saw first hand the effect Klopp has had on Liverpool
following his arrival as Southampton were torn apart on
Wednesday, despite taking an early lead.
"Jurgen Klopp plays real attacking football - the kind of football
the public wants to see," the Dutchman said.
"It is completely different stuff. We now see a totally different
Liverpool side. They are an exception compared to the biggest
clubs in the Premier League.
"None of the big clubs dare to play real attacking
football. Manchester City don't do it, Manchester
United don't, Arsenal don't and Chelsea don't.
"Their intentions are totally different. They all drop back a bit,
they wait for a mistake and then come out to attack. That is not
what I call taking initiative. They don't want to be dominant or
attack, despite all the quality they have."
Klopp's impact at Liverpool has been so pronounced the side
are now being talked of as potential Premier League winners
despite being seventh in the table, nine points behind surprise
leaders Leicester City.
"What Klopp does right now in football in this country is so
refreshing. His approach is really what the Premier League
needs," added Koeman.
"Physically and defensively the Premier League is the best in the
world, but there are hardly any big teams who are prepared to
play proper attacking and entertaining football.
"What Klopp now brings to England will raise the level of football
and will make games more attractive for the fans."
Koeman highlighted Liverpool's strength in depth after Roberto
Firmino, James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Christian
Benteke were named on the bench for the trip to St Mary's.
"This is why Liverpool could compete with the best clubs now
that Klopp has them playing so great," he said.
"I have always admired coaches who have the guts to go
forward so much. Klopp is not passive. He does not wait. He
wants his team to be the boss on the pitch and go for it.
"You don’t win 3-1 [away] against Chelsea, 4-1 [away] against
Man City and 6-1 against Southampton without a serious idea
about top-level football."
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