Klopp opened up about several Tottenham stars
If Liverpool fall to Tottenham this weekend, Jurgen Klopp may have himself to blame. The German gaffer was complimentary of the majority of the Spurs squad, but his comments regarding Dele Alli might give the precocious Englishman extra motivation on Sunday.
Klopp did admit that Dele is “of the highest quality” but also added that he isn’t playing as well as he did last season. He’s almost certainly correct in his estimation of the Tottenham’s star play this year, but it’s still a foolish statement to make before such a massive fixture.
As it stands, Liverpool and Tottenham are locked in a tense battle for Champions League qualification. Spurs currently find themselves two points behind the Reds, but a win at Anfield could change things in a hurry. It’s also possible that both teams could achieve Champions League qualification if the recent struggles of Chelsea and Manchester United continue.
Neither Klopp or Mauricio Pochettino will be concerned with those other squads on Sunday. Each manager will be looking for every bit of motivation he can find to turn his squad’s performance up a notch or two. Klopp has made a grievous error in providing Pochettino with powerful ammunition.
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You can be sure that Pochettino will make sure Dele hears about Klopp’s assessment of his play this season. Even if Dele realizes he hasn’t been up to par during the 2017-18 campaign, he’s not going to be in any mood to hear an opposing manager slate his play. What his own manager says to him in the dressing room is one thing. Hearing a member of the opposition comment negatively on his play is an entirely different manner.
To put it rather plainly, Dele is someone who Klopp would be wise to leave alone. I suppose it’s possible that he can be distracted into playing a poor match, but leaving a sleeping dog lie is almost always the best course of action. Instead, the German gaffer has made sure he has Dele’s full attention heading into this one.
The challenge for Pochettino will be making sure his starlet channels his emotions the right way. He never wants to take the edge out of Dele’s game, but he can’t become consumed with the idea that he needs to win the match on his own. Dele is at his best when he’s functioning as a key part of Tottenham’s talented attack. He gets into trouble when he tries to transcend his squad with his own talents.
Next: Spurs still need to be concerned with their midfield
Liverpool and Tottenham will have plenty of talking points heading into Sunday’s match, but don’t discount Dele Alli’s extra motivation. Jurgen Klopp may rue the day he elected to comment on Dele’s level of play this season.