FIRST TEAM
08/15/2017

Pfannenstiel: “Firmino is Klopp’s key player”

Lutz Pfannenstiel runs the ‘international relations’ department at TSG. The 44-year old ex-goalkeeper is universally regarded as a football expert and works for ZDF, the BBC and Eurosport. In an interview with achtzehn99.de Pfannenstiel talks about the Liverpool side and TSG’s Champions League play-off clash against them.

LUTZ PFANNENSTIEL ON...

... das Liverpool-Spiel gegen Watford.

It was obvious in the match against Watford that Liverpool were lacking in rhythm, but that’s to be expected at this stage of the season – it was also the case in TSG’s win against Erfurt. Jürgen Klopp fielded a team that haven’t had much opportunity to gel yet. The players were often standing very deep for example, but Klopp’s style will eventually become more visible.

… The Reds’ strengths and weaknesses.

Generally-speaking Liverpool are strong in attack and weaker in defence. They wasted many chances against Watford and should really have scored more goals. They were lacking in balance I felt: Jordan Henderson and Emre Can left too much room in midfield – two of the goals they conceded came through the middle of the pitch. The Reds are missing a player in defence who can really take control and give orders to the rest of the team. Nevertheless, in some departments they did do well: when they were on the attack, they always looked like scoring. 

... FORMER HOFFENHEIM PLAYER ROBERTO FIRMINO.

For me he’s Klopp’s key offensive player. He began the match against Watford as a striker but often drifted into the midfield area to pick up the ball or onto the wings where there was more space. As a key player, he carries a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but Liverpool can also look to the pace of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane on the wings.  Both of these players are very quick, particularly with the ball at their feet; Salah is one of the best in the world at that, I would say. Mane and Salah are always looking to take players on and often find themselves in goal-scoring situations.

… Klopp’s philosophy.

Everyone in Germany knows Klopp’s style of football – pressing, pressing, pressing. His teams always play with a high intensity, give 100% and put their opponents under pressure, but we may see a different Liverpool away from home – Klopp’s main focus will be not conceding. I think they will try and control the game in Germany but then we’ll see a more aggressive side at Antfield.

… the outcome.

I’m looking forward to two very exciting matches between two very strong teams who nevertheless start from very different positions. TSG will want to go out and really give it their all to try and reach the Champions League group stages; Liverpool, on the other hand, quite simply have to reach the next stage. The pressure is on them because all their fans will be expecting them to win. 

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