How Does Klopp Solve a Problem Like Liverpool?

If a failing business decides it needs some Lean manufacturing, those Lean experts are taught not to walk in with preconceived solutions, or to quickly jump to the solution stage; because in order to formulate effective solutions, you must first fully understand all the problems. Essentially, Jürgen Klopp is process mapping the Liverpool squad right now; he is evaluating what he has. This is a man with a clear idea of where he wants to be and what he needs in order to get there. I’m not suggesting Klopp is a Lean Six Sigma practitioner, just that there is a process that has to be worked through, regardless of the industry.

In this era of instant gratification, being told to wait is an alien concept to some fans, but that is what’s required. As painful as it seems, especially with the emotion involved in losing a game at home to Manchester United, it’s important to stay calm and stay the course on this. The Manchester United games was, in many ways, a microcosm of Liverpool’s season; spurning multiple chances to score and needlessly conceding from a set piece. Without a doubt, the long list of injuries has played a significant part in certain games, particularly in attack. The absence of a striker the quality of Daniel Sturridge is strikingly (pardon the pun) obvious when chances to score are being missed and perhaps even Danny Ings or Divock Origi could’ve made a difference. The defensive injuries didn’t really have an impact on this game because United simply didn’t pose much of a threat. So injuries shouldn’t be an excuse for a fragility that has plagued Liverpool for quite some time and certainly shouldn’t deviate from assessing the root causes of why Liverpool are not where they wish to be.

As I’ve already stated, the only way to really find sustainable solutions are to find and analyse the problems; short-term solutions can only offer short-term success. Klopp is attempting to give everyone an opportunity, to test and learn about all the players he has, at all levels. Klopp and his staff have successfully worked together for years, they know what they want and what is required. This season is about them learning about the club and its infrastructure, and everyone at the club learning about them.

Make no mistake, the entire squad are playing for their future at the club and it could be argued Klopp is playing a psychological masterstroke by giving everybody a chance and not making swift wholesale changes. Wiping the slate clean is a cliché, but Klopp really has done that, there has been no preconceived hierarchy; a regular starting spot is earned.

Obviously, as fans, we’ve had plenty of time to formulate our own opinions on various players: who we’d want to keep and who we’d want to sell. We’re fans, we’ve seen the majority of our players a lot, it’s only natural for us to have such absolution, but Klopp has rightly approached the task with an open mind. Opinion may be divided as to whether or not certain players deserve a chance, but they’ve been given one nonetheless and can therefore have no complaints when judgement day comes.

True squad evaluation for Klopp and his staff will take time to see how they perform, how they handle pressure, their ability and willingness to learn and adapt, their tactical flexibility, how they face challenges, their ability to overcome adversity and their mental capabilities. Not only will he want players of the right quality, but ones with the right work rate, attitude, aptitude and mentality; he wants winners.

One way or the other, it will take some players longer than others to carve out where their future lies, ahead of what could be a very big summer. Naturally, some style and tactical changes have been implemented, but it’s likely only the start and pre-season is when Klopp will really be able to make significant alterations.

The thought of yet another high turnover of players is concerning to fans who have seen so many changes in recent years, but this is more than cosmetic squad changes, this is an overhaul of the club by a man with a clear, concise plan and a proven track record. So how does Klopp solve a problem like Liverpool? With time, money, methodical planning, patience, a bit of luck and did I mention patience? We’re all going to need that.