Jürgen Klopp names ‘incredible’ part of Liverpool win and explains what Peter Krawietz spotted

Liverpool was largely excellent against Newcastle, but Jürgen Klopp has explained one specific issue was spotted by assistant Peter Kraweitz a little too late.

Liverpool can be quite proud of their performance and outcome against Newcastle. After Jürgen Klopp remarked that “football schools” may examine it from a counter-pressing angle, the Premier League’s record for predicted goals was completely destroyed.

A four-goal performance rarely indicates such a marked underperformance in terms of finishing. However, Liverpool is aware that it should have been out of sight much earlier than it was; after all, they only managed to reclaim a two-goal lead in the 86th minute thanks to a penalty kick.

Sven Botman’s header from a corner gave Newcastle a momentary reprieve as the second goal of the game came entirely against the run of play. Speaking to the BBC, Klopp acknowledged that set pieces can be more difficult to defend after replacements have been made and accepted some of the blame for that.

Still, it ought to have been avoidable. Peter Kraweitz, Klopp’s assistant, saw everything coming together a little too late, the manager revealed:

“It’s difficult to make adjustments on set pieces, but Pete Kraweitz, who was sitting next to me, got up and exclaimed, ‘Burn!'” — and we were off and running. Thus, I was asleep twice, but other than that, it was an amazing game.”

And it’s important to concentrate on that last section. There were moments when Liverpool may have had a chance to allow Newcastle back in, but this was undoubtedly a very one-sided game.

It’s simply quite intense. But if you want to win football games, there’s no substitute for intense play, and the boys succeeded once more, propelled by an amazing atmosphere. My goodness, Anfield can really put out some amazing stuff. Thus, the New Year got off to a wonderful start.”

Liverpool.com comments: Klopp is free to repeat that. In addition to providing Liverpool a cushion at the top of the Premier League table, it was a statement performance to start 2024.

Liverpool 2.0 is a team packed with talent, and it continues to develop into the “intense” team that Klopp’s sides are known for every week. We almost feel as though he’s taking us on the same thrilling adventure he did when he first arrived at the club, but this time with a major headstart. Just how soon that can deliver silverware should become clearer in the next few months.