“I love this team” – Jurgen Klopp hails his players after coming through “crisis” period and returning to winning way

Jurgen Klopp has described his side’s form as a ‘crisis’ earlier this season but insists the Reds are now safely through the other side.

Liverpool currently have five straight wins after picking up another three points at home against Fulham on Wednesday, but things have not always been smooth sailing for Klopp’s side this season.

3-0 defeats away at Brighton and Wolves are among a string of poor results away from Anfield this season, with occasional flashes of brilliance surfacing at Man United, Bournemouth, Rangers and Leeds.

Liverpool have been plagued by inconsistencies in 2022/23 but the manager believes the team has weathered the storm and are ready to return to their flamboyant best. “It was a very difficult season for us, it is the truth. Of course, we all feel better now after winning a few games. He is the biggest person in the world of football,” said Klopp in Sky Sports.

“The way they behave in a crisis defines what they will be after the crisis. I thought we were going well, nothing between me and the players, the club, nothing. We knew we were responsible, but we have to resolve it together. “”

Before visiting Brentford on Saturday, the boss spoke to six victories of six because they endeavor to end for the campaign and a European place. He continued by hailing his “really good group” and talking about the admiration he has for his players, while at the same time admitting that changes will be needed this summer.

“I love this team, honestly. It’s a really good group. Yes, we are going to change something, but the base is absolutely great,” he said.

“In terms of age, the base is great, up front, last line, in midfield we also have super young talents and there’s everything you need to have a really positive and optimistic view of it.”

The Reds have just four games of their Premier League season left and while Champions League qualification seems unlikely, a wave of momentum certainly seems to be building at Liverpool ahead of the summer.

Also..

2 different ways Liverpool could line-up against Brentford as 2 doubts and 2 big decisions to make

Liverpool are due to make some late fitness calls on Saturday night before the Reds host Brentford.
Liverpool remain with a broadly similar squad each time and have won their last five Premier League games.
A win on Saturday would put the Reds just one point behind fourth-placed Man United, despite having played twice as much as Erik ten Hag’s side.
Brighton are also still in Champions League qualification and would finish the season two points ahead of Liverpool if both sides win all of their remaining games. With Man United and Brighton both playing after Liverpool this weekend, Saturday’s match presents at least one opportunity for Liverpool to put pressure on their rivals.
Here’s how Jurgen Klopp’s side could line up against Brentford.
Team news

There were some injury concerns, with Klopp revealing during his press conference:

Jordan Henderson has doubts after doing “a scan” on Thursday

Diogo Jota, who trained only lightly this week, may also be missing

Roberto Firmino is expected to return to “team training” next week

Thiago underwent surgery and will be back for the pre-season

Liverpool XI vs. Brentford

After three line-up changes against Fulham, Klopp should return to a more regular XI before Thomas Frank’s visit to Brentford.
The Reds boss is currently short on good midfield options, with Henderson possibly out and Thiago recovering from surgery. After the announcement of his departure at the end of the season, James Milner is a player who could join the team.
However, Harvey Elliott is arguably more likely to regain his place in right midfield as Klopp looks forward to fighting for the honor next season.
In attack, Jota is doubtful after Klopp said the Portuguese ‘can’t do much in training’.

Here are the key points of this planned XI:

Elliott should replace Henderson, which is doubtful

Kostas Tsimikas gives way to Andy Robertson

Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez make up the attack

Here’s how Liverpool would line up:

Alison; Alexandre-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Elliot, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

There’s no place for Luis Diaz in either of the two planned starting line-ups as it looks unlikely the winger will start three times in seven days after more than six months on the touchline.
However, if the Colombian is fit enough for Klopp to call on him, he will fight for a spot on the left flank with Jota – even if fitness allows. Important decisions for the manager. Behind one of them, Andy Robertson will most certainly return to the team, while Curtis Jones should start his eighth game in a row:

Jota returns to the left

If suitable, Henderson starts with Jones and Fabinho – Milner on hold

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk stay together at the back

Here’s what that alternate team would look like:

Alison; Alexandre-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Jota, Gakpo

It looks like Klopp has several decisions to make at the end of the day as Liverpool prepare for their Premier League game against Brentford.
What is certain, however, is that the Reds will stick to their new style of play with three defenders in possession and hopefully continue the winning formula.