Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp evoked the memories of a classic Barcelona game in 2019 to achieve a comeback against Luton Town
Jurgen Klopp used the memories of the great Liverpool comeback against Barcelona in 2019 to beat Luton Town at Anfield. The Reds defeated Luton 4-1 in the Premier League showdown after falling behind 0-1 in the first half.
Liverpool’s squad is facing a serious injury crisis that is a big threat to their immense ambition for this season. They have worked hard to put themselves in a position where they are challenging for every trophy.
The Reds played Luton without a total of 11 first-team players, including individuals who played a pivotal role this season. Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones, Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Stefen Bajcetic and Ben Doak are long-term absentees. Furthermore, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez failed to make it to the squad and they are under observation.
Liverpool started the game strongly with flurries of attack, restraining the Hatters to their half while attempting a few counterattacks. Nevertheless, Luton scored the first goal in the 12th minute of the game against the run of play.
The Reds continued their adventurous style of play but failed to be clinical in front of goal. Luis Diaz received the best chances of the first half from two brilliant through-balls from Wataru Endo and Caoimhin Kelleher.
Speaking at the post-match press conference (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Klopp highlighted the importance of casting bad thoughts aside to achieve anything. He said:
“That’s what I wanted the boys to show and this is an example tonight, this is now their Barcelona [Comeback win in 2019], [it] was against Luton – a difficult situation, plenty of reasons to give up in moments, ‘Yeah, not tonight.’ And I saw only a super group fighting. If you don’t limit yourself with bad thoughts, you can fly. And that’s what the boys did.”
Captain Virgil van Dijk started the comeback in the 56th minute through a dominant header from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner. Cody Gakpo scored a close-range header from another cross by Mac Allister in the 58th minute to take the lead.
" I love it so much."
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Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's second half comeback against Luton is the best he's ever seen them play #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/6SwAybysqL
Diaz opened his account in the 71st minute of the game, helped by an assist from Andy Robertson. Harvey Elliot completed the rout and took the scoreline to 4-1 in the 90th minute of the game.
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The Reds deployed youngsters like Bobby Clark and debutant Jayden Danns in the second half but kept their dominance. Klopp’s impressive use of Liverpool’s Academy players despite the daunting pressure sums up their fortress-like mentality.
