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This has been a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s managerial career. And now he faces the last test of his time at Liverpool.
From Mainz, Borussia Dortmund to Premier League champions, Klopp’s style – and, indeed, his personality – has been forged on a fierce loyalty to those around him.
Whether it’s his team, coaching staff or those working elsewhere at the club, such faith is a contributing factor to the collective bond that has helped Liverpool conquer Europe, the world and England in recent years.
It also explains why so many players past and present have great respect and affection for the Reds boss, even those who haven’t quite reached the rank under his tutelage.
But January, and the transfer window in particular, will be an examination of his faith in certain aspects of Liverpool.
Yes, it’s the central rear riddle again.
Klopp will also be weary of trying to find new solutions to the problem caused by a lack of availability in the post as he is answering questions about strengthening the Reds’ defense this month.
The long-term injuries of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, as well as the regular absences of Joel Matip, justified the concerns of those who worried about Liverpool entering the campaign with one less senior center-back. than last season.
To be fair, no one could have foreseen such a catalog of problems. Clubs simply do not have unlimited membership no matter what their level of funding or how successful they are.
But what has troubled some supporters is the apparent lack of desire to ease the burden on those who remain.
And it’s here that Klopp’s trust in his colleagues could be rewarded – or otherwise.
That the Reds boss was reluctant to say he wanted to sign a center-back this month shouldn’t come as a surprise.
After all, their loyalty goes to Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips, the duo have asked to help Liverpool through a tricky time alongside fortune defender Fabinho.
Klopp needs the pair to focus on their luck, not distracted by knowing that they will be replaced in a few weeks. Moreover, neither of them let Liverpool down.
Then there is a belief in Fabinho’s ability to maintain his excellent form while learning on the job and helping to cajole an inexperienced colleague by his side.
Klopp, too, will consider his confidence in Matip’s ability to play through the pain barrier, and the talents of medical and fitness staff to keep the Cameroonian on the pitch for as long as possible.
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And, on top of all that, the Liverpool boss will have confidence in the rest of the squad – now bolstered by a handful of returning players – to put the Reds on the front foot and make life a little easier for the back line.
Another influence is the confidence in the physiotherapists creating a rehabilitation program to help Van Dijk and Gomez finally return to action without any lingering side effects.
Liverpool prefer not to spend money just to have a glut of players in the same position at the start of next season.
In addition, of course, the recruiting team believes in targeting the necessary entries at the right time to strengthen the team.
Of course, Klopp’s loyalty is not endless. Having consistently backed goalkeeper duo Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet throughout the 2017/18 campaign, he then wasted no time the following summer rushing for Alisson Becker once the Brazilian became achievable.
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And there will be a sense of duty to the rest of the squad, which has so far demonstrated that it deserves the best possible chance of success this quarter.
Ah, make decisions.
Liverpool are already enforcing the rule on a number of potential new center-backs.
Next summer, however, is the most likely – and easiest – time for strengthening.
Klopp may well finally determine he wants another defender this month. But if Liverpool choose what they have, an integral personality trait of their manager will be one of the main reasons.
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