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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Jurgen Klopp taking Liverpool back to basics as young forward recalls 'crazy' call-up

It's time for your Liverpool FC evening headlines on Monday, September 19.

Liverpool 'cannot carry on' as Jurgen Klopp goes back to promise made seven years ago

When Jurgen Klopp first stepped in at Anfield almost seven years ago, his soundbite of turning "doubters into believers" captured the imagination of both Liverpool supporters and the gathered media throng. As a call to arms, it was both compelling and convincing. But away from the headlines and hyperbole, the Reds boss also offered a hint of what to expect once he got to grips with his new squad.

There were trials and tribulations along the way, false starts, tears and disappointments. But the regular updates to the Champions Walls over the following years was testament to how Liverpool had successfully bought into Klopp's methods. None more so than last season, when the Reds' refusal to accept defeat saw them come close to an unprecedented treble, sweeping up the League Cup and FA Cup while narrowly beaten to the Premier League and Champions League crowns.

READ MORE: Liverpool signed 'pressing monster' in shock transfer deal after years of planning

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham has already told Liverpool what they need to do to sign him

There is, of course, the glaring exception of a nine-week period midway through the dreadful pandemic season when, with the centre-back injury crisis at its absolute peak, the Reds suffered nine defeats in 15 games. But before that run, Liverpool had been beaten just 13 times in 106 games, three of which were penalty shoot-outs. And after finally arresting the slump, they have since lost just seven times in 85 outings. Over that entire period, Liverpool lost 29 times to 31 of Manchester City.

The worry isn't just that two of those losses have come in nine games this campaign, however. The manner of the performances even in victory has been unconvincing, Liverpool too often making it easy for opponents to score the opening goal - an affliction carried over from last season that has hampered eight of their last 10 Premier League outings - and inviting pressure on an evolving attack.

Read the full story HERE.

Liverpool forward received 'crazy' Jurgen Klopp call-up after Manchester United move

Making your first-team debut for Liverpool is a moment that will never be forgotten for many players, regardless of the path taken to reach this point.

For Academy prospect Harvey Blair, this special occasion arrived in surprising circumstances in October of last year as Jurgen Klopp's side faced Preston North End in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. An under-18s player at this point, Blair's professional debut arrived before he had even made his under-23s bow.

The 19-year-old had worked his way through the ranks, having joined the club at under-12s level from Manchester United, and was thrust into the limelight at Deepdale as Klopp opted to rest a number of senior players.

Reflecting on how he found out this opportunity was forthcoming, Blair told Liverpoolfc.com : "It was Thursday and I was meant to be playing with the U23s against Blackburn. One of my team-mates texted me and he was like, 'it's just been put in the U23s group, how come you're not in the team?' I was thinking, 'how come I'm not in the U23s team?' I didn't think anything of it."

Read the full story HERE.

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