Football is a game that can be compared to the various aspects of life and uncanny parallels can be drawn. Take The Normal One or Jurgen Klopp as we know him, for example. The ferocious Liverpool football team coach could do with a few more dimensions to his team.
Ever since his early days at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp has been known for his heavy metal style of football. A certain attacking finesse complimented by an aggressive-minded team that can go on scoring goals and passing the ball around dangerously with a positive flair all day long.
His Borussia team surprised everyone in Europe and Klopp’s reputation preceded the German. It earned him a move to Liverpool where he brought in a similar mentality; aggression and a will to attack relentlessly.
He brought in players who suited his style of play and carefully moulded the ones already in the team to form an attacking team which can tenaciously break down rigid defences. His game was pleasing to the eye and earned him a certain name as the manager who will look to attack you regardless of the scoreline. And Liverpool did exactly that.
The focus was always kept on attack and the players from midfield to forward line excelled on the ball. Dispatching teams on their good days was a task they could do in their sleep. As the bar of excellence raised itself higher and higher in Liverpool’s attack, the price was paid by players who failed to adjust to Klopp’s style of football.
One particular player, who has been completely frozen out from the Liverpool first team is Jon Flanagan. The defender was unable to make a place for himself in the German manager’s team and has now found an escape for himself by accepting a loan move to Championship side Bolton. Bolton is placed 22nd in the Championship table.
The club has just assembled 6 wins in 28 attempts in the league and have scored a paltry 26 goals this season. If they wish to stay up, they will certainly have to fight much harder in the second half of the season and defend much better than they have. Maybe the move for Flanagan will see the side improve their defensive structure and help the team escape further humiliation by not getting relegated. The Academy graduate of Liverpool has clocked up just 51 appearances in seven years at the club and might want to use his time at Bolton to jumpstart his career.
