Thomas Frank praised Jurgen Klopp for the way he set up Liverpool for their win over Leeds United last night
The Brentford manager was in the studio with premierleague.com on Monday to discuss the Reds’ 6-1 victory. After the game, Frank stated that Liverpool’s pressing had returned after a season-long absence.
“I think [Liverpool’s pressing] is spot on.” That will most likely be the first clip he shows tomorrow or when they evaluate the game. “I think that’s important for the way he wants to play,” the 49-year-old said.
“We discussed it before the game, that they’ve lost energy and intensity in the press, that they don’t press anymore, or that we don’t see it as consistently.” They were back at it today.
“I thought it was spot on in terms of counter-pressing, intensity, and their willingness to run forward, towards the ball, which was encouraging to see from Jurgen.”
Liverpool is beginning to resemble itself.
High-intensity pressing has become a hallmark of Liverpool’s success under Klopp. This season, however, it has been nowhere to be found.
It’s why so many teams, including Frank’s own Brentford, have been able to comfortably bully the Reds. Liverpool would have been far too easy to play through without the constant harassment of opponents.
That same vulnerability was on display in the early stages of last night’s game at Elland Road. However, Leeds are a team that is lacking confidence and is coming off a 5-1 thrashing last week. The Reds played their way into form in Yorkshire after weathering an early storm. Klopp was pleased with his players’ press as well.
The question now is whether they can keep it up for the remaining eight games. As Frank alluded to, there have been a few games in 2022/23 where Liverpool looked like their old selves.
However, good displays reminiscent of the Reds of old have frequently been followed by turgid performances. If the Reds do not pick up the pace now, they will almost certainly fall short of their goal of finishing in the top four. Regardless, that ship has most likely already sailed. However, performances like this suggest that Klopp and his team may still be capable of pulling off another miracle.
On May 6th, they will face Frank and Brentford at Anfield. Hopefully, the Dane has similar thoughts on that day as well.
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