Jurgen Klopp’s assessment of Liverpool’s season so far was evident when he interrupted a question in his post-match news conference after the 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest to ask the assembled media: “When was the last time? Two wins in a row. Does anybody know?” The answer was last month, before the international break, which included the 7-0 annihilation of Manchester United. They also did it in February, when they won at Newcastle immediately after coming out on top in the most recent Merseyside derby. Klopp was searching for solutions to results like the 3-0 defeats at Brighton and Wolves, the loss at Bournemouth and the battering Liverpool took at Manchester City only 21 days ago.
The initial question had been to try and establish if anything had dramatically changed from the point Liverpool found themselves two goals down at home to Arsenal on 9 April. Klopp agreed that things had changed, noting that the team was now much better at ball-oriented and compact defending, as well as counter-pressing. He believes this is the first time this season they have achieved this, and it may not be too late.
Liverpool are three points off fifth-placed Tottenham, on level games, but with a better goal difference. It is now four matches unbeaten, with back-to-back victories following two draws, and represents their joint-best run of an inconsistent campaign. Klopp said in his programme notes that it “makes no sense” given the season Liverpool are having to try and extrapolate a measure for the remainder of the season from an individual result. Nevertheless, it does feel as though Liverpool, finally, are beginning to get on a roll. Klopp noted that the boys are not silly and they know they were not perfect, but they are really happy because they got three super important points. He believes that things have changed, but for consistency they have to keep going.