LIVERPOOL: The start of 2023 was the worst period in Jurgen Klopp’s career – who entered his sixth year with Liverpool – losing to Brentford and failing to win an English Premier League game until February 13.
After overcoming a lackluster start – his side also lost twice to Brighton and 3-0 at Wolves – the Premier League leaders have gone from strength to strength and ended the year on a high note.
“I’m six times happier (compared to the same time last year). It was the worst period. We were sixth and maybe seventh or eighth. It feels better now.
“This season, the team is trying to do something and we will try to do it as well as possible,” said Klopp ahead of the meeting with Newcastle on Monday.
Klopp will also have the touch of Alexis MacAllister back who started training after recovering from injury at Sheffield United on December 6.
The return of the World Cup champion with Argentina is just in time after another midfielder, Wataru Endo will return to Japan to lead his country’s challenge in the Asian Cup.
Mohamed Salah will also be with the Egyptian team for the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Diogo Jota also returned to fitness and came on as a substitute to seal the three points at Burnley on Boxing Day.