Two matches played and two matches drawn: not the greatest of starts for new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, but possibly a much-needed dose of realism for those fans who had identified the German as the man to end their long wait for the Premier League title.
The former Borussia Dortmund coach’s arrival at Anfield a fortnight ago sparked a wave of (Kl)optimism on Merseyside with many fans predicting great things from the off.
The supporters instant affection for the new man was evident at Anfield on Thursday night when Liverpool faced Rubin Kazan in a Europa League group game. A sell out crowd serenaded the German at his first home match in charge and, as has become traditional on the former Kop terrace, Klopp was greeted by a multitude of badly designed banners.
The draw against a Rubin team which played much of the game with ten men, came on the back of a goalless draw at Tottenham on Sunday. Results, which according to Liverpool midfielder, Adam Lallana, might temper the expectations circulating an expectant Anfield since Klopp’s appointment.
“It was never going to just change overnight,” said Lallana.
“Maybe the reaction to him coming in was a bit over the top but he’s a great manager who has had great success.
“He’s asking people to do different things to what they were used to so it will take a bit of time.
“I think in his first two games you have seen glimpses and moments of the style he wants to play.
“It’s not going to happen overnight, but I’m very confident we’re going to succeed under him.
“The fans here demand success here and we want to give them that.”
But, as Klopp himself was quick to point when he was first unveiled, this is not going to happen overnight.
