Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understandably ornery.
If 2017 stood on its own, his Reds would be a bottom half side. Fortunately, Klopp and his crew had a terrific first half of the season and instead battle for a Top Four spot.
[ PL PREVIEW: Liverpool vs. Arsenal ]
Up next is Arsenal, an also-struggling unit which knows it has the chance to either help bury Liverpool or taste fifth or even sixth place.
Klopp thinks he can motivate his charges, and admonishes his critics not to misjudge him by his exterior.
From the BBC:“We’ve already had a few bad moments together. It doesn’t feel that free-flowing any more, but that’s how seasons are,” said the German.
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“I’m not a clown, I’m not always laughing like crazy. I’m a normal person. My job is to make the players feel there’s a big chance to win it.
The struggling Reds have to fix things fast under Klopp, whose shine has found grime. A powerful and smart manager who rarely has to admit errors, this feels like a big enough statement even while dusted with the air of maybe.