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It has been a key principle of Jurgen Klopp’s managerial career. And now he faces the last test of his time at Liverpool.
From Mainz, Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League champions, Klopp’s style and indeed personality has been forged into a fierce loyalty to those around him.
Whether in his team, his coaching staff or those who work in other parts of the club, that faith is a factor that contributes to the collective bond that has helped Liverpool conquer Europe, the world and England in recent years.
It also explains why so many players past and present have great respect and affection for the Reds boss, even those who didn’t make the grade under his tutelage.
But January, and the transfer window in particular, will be a test of his faith in certain aspects of Liverpool.
Yes, it’s the central defender’s dilemma again.
Klopp will be as tired of trying to conjure up new solutions to the problem caused by job unavailability as he will be answering questions about whether the Reds will strengthen their defense this month.
The long-term injuries of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gómez, along with the regular absences of Joel Matip, have justified the concerns of those who were concerned that Liverpool entered the campaign with one fewer senior center-back than last season. .
To be fair, no one could have planned such a catalog of numbers. Clubs just don’t have unlimited squads, no matter how well funded or successful they are.
But what has some fans concerned is the apparent lack of desire to ease the burden on those who remain.
And this is where Klopp’s trust in his colleagues may or may not pay off.
That the Reds boss avoided saying he wants to sign a center back this month shouldn’t come as a surprise.
After all, loyal to Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips, the duo asked for help to guide Liverpool through a difficult period alongside makeshift defender Fabinho.
Klopp needs the pair to focus on taking risks, not being distracted by the knowledge that they will be replaced in a few weeks regardless. In addition, none has disappointed Liverpool.
Then there is the belief in Fabinho’s ability to maintain his excellent form while learning on the job and helping to cajole an inexperienced colleague alongside him.
Klopp will also consider his confidence in Matip’s ability to play through the pain barrier, and the talent of the medical and fitness staff to keep the Cameroonian on the field for as long as possible.
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And on top of all this, the Liverpool manager will have faith in the rest of the team, now bolstered by a handful of returning players, to put the Reds up front and make life a little easier for the bottom line. .
Another influence is the reliance on physical therapists creating a rehab program to help Van Dijk and Gomez get back on track without any lingering side effects.
Liverpool would rather not spend money just to have a glut of players in one position at the start of next season.
Also, of course, there is the confidence in the recruiting team to target the necessary revenue at the right time to strengthen the team.
Of course, Klopp’s loyalty is not infinite. Having consistently backed the goalkeeping duo Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet throughout the 2017/18 campaign, he wasted no time the following summer diving for Alisson Becker once the Brazilian became achievable.
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And there will be a sense of duty to the rest of the squad, who have shown so far that they deserve to have the best possible chance of success this season.
Decisions decisions.
Liverpool is already applying the rule on a number of possible new centers.
Next summer, however, is the most likely and easiest time for reinforcement.
Klopp may well finally determine that he wants another defender this month. But if Liverpool are betting on what they have, an integral personality trait of their coach will be a key reason.
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