Klopp 2.0: everything you need to know about Liverpool

Match previews

9 Oct 2023

Crystal Palace are back at Selhurst Park on Saturday, 9th December (12:30 GMT) to take on Liverpool – and before kick-off it’s time to get the lowdown on our latest opponents…

Factfile

Manager: Jürgen Klopp
Position: 2nd
Nickname: The Reds
Ground: Anfield
Founded: 1892 (131 years ago)

What’s the story?

After the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League football last season, Jürgen Klopp has his Liverpool side back on form and now they may hope to be in the conversation when the destination of the Premier League trophy is decided in May.

Talisman Mo Salah remained at Anfield over summer despite big-money interest from Saudi Arabia, and is back among the goals. With the increased confidence of Darwin Núñez, alongside the consistency of Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz, Klopp has the squad depth he desired in attack.

A complete midfield upheaval has also taken place, with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endō, and now Klopp’s ‘Liverpool 2.0’ is attempting to make a charge for silverware.

Two late goals at Anfield to complete a dramatic turnaround against Fulham, while victory in midweek over Sheffield United confirmed their status as one of the in-form sides in the league.

If Klopp can get his side back to their quadruple-chasing best then they will take some stopping this season – can they maintain their title-push in the face of reigning champions Manchester City and last season’s runners-up Arsenal? The busy festive period might go a long way to providing us with the answer.

The boss

Twice a title-winner in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and only denied a European triumph by Bayern Munich, Jürgen Klopp became the first manager to guide Liverpool to the title for 30 years in 2020. He has won a Champions League, an FA Cup and a League Cup at Anfield to complete the set.

Boot in both camps

Christian Benteke joined Liverpool in a huge £32.5m deal in 2015, but after a season at Anfield he joined Palace, going on to become the club’s second highest Premier League scorer.

Record against Palace

There are so many iconic moments to look back on, including arguably two of Palace’s greatest ever games: the 4-3 FA Cup semi-final triumph at Villa Park in 1990, and the ‘Crystanbul’ comeback from three goals down in 2014.

Last season, Palace earned a point both home and away against Liverpool, scoring the opener at Anfield before being pegged back late on.

Did you know?

Liverpool were founded via a split at existing club Everton. In 1892, Anfield was already hosting sell-out games on Merseyside – but the home side was Everton, not Liverpool. However, when the committee fell out with Club President and owner of the land at Anfield John Houlding, Everton relocated across Stanley Park to Goodison Park.

Left with an empty stadium, Houlding found himself in a tricky situation, and launched a new club as a result: Liverpool FC. Initially, the club played in blue and white quartered shirts before adopting the city’s traditional red in 1896 – however, for almost 70 years they wore red shirts and white shorts rather than the familiar all-red.

That all changed before a European fixture against Belgian side Anderlecht in 1964. Legendary striker and broadcaster Ian St John remembers the moment in his autobiography: “He [Bill Shankly] thought the colour scheme would carry psychological impact – red for danger, red for power.

“He came into the dressing room one day and threw a pair of red shorts to Ronnie Yeats. ‘Get into those shorts and let's see how you look’, he said. ‘Christ, Ronnie, you look awesome, terrifying. You look seven feet tall.’ ‘Why not go the whole hog, boss?’ I suggested. ‘Why not wear red socks? Let's go out all in red.’ Shankly approved and an iconic kit was born.”

Match details

Saturday, 9th December
12:30 GMT
Selhurst Park
Live on TNT Sports

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