Klopp smiles as his change pay off – 5 key takeaways from Wolves’ 0-1 loss to Liverpool

Liverpool fans had been moaning and making a lot of noise before this game but the Reds continued to defend their FA Cup title by enduring a difficult game with Wolves.

Wolves-Liverpool 0-1

Jurgen goes deep into the research of the variation

Given the recent results, there was a clear element of tension in the pre-game air for Reds fans, although it’s worth pointing out they got an early release thanks to Harvey Elliott’s screamer.

But before that, Jurgen Klopp’s habit of moving up to the Cup was already on display, with eight changes that could be interpreted as a sign of rotation due to fatigue or an opportunity for the others after a really bad weekend.

The goalkeeper, both full-backs, the backbone of the team and the wings all showed changes, a mix of fringe players and young players in the formation.

Joe Gomez may feel he’s done enough to earn another chance to partner Ibrahima Konate, while Elliott may hope his impact does the same in the top court. As with most others, while we did witness a few nice touches or efforts, were there really enough to suggest they might be the answer to our needs?

On the other hand, after recent debacles, attitude alone may be enough of an improvement.
Coming full-time, the relief was very evident after the Reds had sweated it out.

Finally we saw a tackle

Some call it the dark arts. Some call it cheating or tricking the referee or, in modern slang, being a mess. What we can all call in Liverpool terms is “needed” after recent appearances, and was much more present and visible this time around.

The main character in this respect was James Milner – no wonder – but he wasn’t just our replacement skipper who was absolutely nasty when necessary.

Fellow full-back Kostas Tsimikas had no problem doing the dirty work, while Thiago was mischievous on more than one occasion, earning himself a yellow card around the hour.

Gomez, Stefan Bajcetic and Fabinho, once he joined, were also involved.

Regardless of who it was, the plan was obvious and effective: to make sure the home side didn’t enjoy constructive play, stop them from countering our weak centre, and make sure they didn’t create chances in the first place, which we’ve been so good at preventing. to enter. start. This may not be the sexiest or most exciting part of the game, but it has been woefully absent from recent games and has made a welcome return to the Molineux.

A potential match

With the Liverpool trio in midfield proving to lack control, energy or stamina this year, it’s only natural to look elsewhere for someone special.

Matheus Nunes has often been touted as the potential next addition, with rumors of a deal already agreed which we will offer in the summer, one year after his Wolves joining.

Here he came on at half-time to give his current side some deep penetration and extra body in the areas that matter most, and while he didn’t finish when he had the chance, he still had a impact.

On more than one occasion he has gone for the ball early in areas that could hurt the Reds, leading to transitions and always looking for movement in front of him. Fortunately, this was too often missing from our perspective.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with slow builds if you know what you’re doing, but here it felt forced, clunky and hesitant from our guests until Nunes got involved in the game.

Wolves are better off with him in there, no doubt, but is it right for reds?

It’s very difficult to compare given the options and moves he would have if an entire front line of Klopp were waiting for his serve.

Was it good for you? Aside from the result, many fans would just like to see a performance here.

Brighton, Brentford and too many other performances completely lacked quality, intensity or sometimes even the will to put in the hard work – inexcusable, to be honest.

So was it a good night’s sleep?

In some ways it has definitely been improved. Konate and Gomez were solid with their defensive work; Thiago took the turn and Elliott did everything asked of him. Naby Keita also showed the kind of care required in his role without being anywhere spectacular.
At the same time, there’s no denying that it was a tough watch.

It was more a matter of organization and sweat than invention and inspiration as we headed towards a long overdue concession – unlike the big mess we’ve seen lately.

As such, we might leave satisfied, but not exactly impressed.

Move forward or return to those who hurt you? The Reds take on Chelsea at the weekend – a big game at any time, but all the more so given the extremely poor form both clubs are currently in.

Klopp’s big decision will be how long to record and film: how many times can he be let down by familiar faces before embarking on a quest for something new, more exciting, something with potential? long-term ?

A few will of course start regardless of what happened here – Alisson, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez if fit – but for the closer positions between the potential starters there must be hope for Klopp to those who disappointed, fixes a sign.

Chelsea have many problems of their own and Liverpool must make the best of them, find their way back to winning ways in the league and, step by step, try to win back what has been a total flop so far.

This game, this outcome, had to be about making enough noise to show that we’re about to have some fun again.

We may not have achieved this in a particularly graphic way, but when desperation takes over, no one should be embarrassed to admit that it occasionally takes whatever is on offer.

Tonight Liverpool got what they wanted. It reconnects with victory, even if the arrival was more nervous than usual.