Despite losing to Atalanta, Jurgen Klopp managed to break an impressive record in Liverpool’s history last night.
If you can say one positive about Liverpool’s performance last night, is that it was better than anything we have seen in the last few weeks.
This wasn’t the Liverpool we have known to recognise under Jurgen Klopp, but they showed in glimpses signs that they were getting there.
In the first half in particular, Liverpool produced a performance that was definitely more like what we would want to see.
Mostly, thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was sensational, Liverpool managed to create problems for Atalanta and seemed to be in control of the game in the first-half.
Things just fell apart in the second-half though, when Alexander-Arnold got a little jaded, which is to be expected after so long being out.
But there are positives to take from this game for Klopp’s side.
The Liverpool record Jurgen Klopp broke against Atalanta last night
It is a bitter end to European football under Jurgen Klopp as manager of Liverpool. But the German has plenty to be proud of during his time as manager.
Even more, he has plenty left to be proud of over what his team has done in his final season in charge.
Klopp has transformed Liverpool during the last six months. Last season, Liverpool looked down and out. But this season from somewhere, Klopp has injected new fuel in Liverpool’s fire.
He’s assembled a young and exciting team, and last night there were signs of that. Harvey Elliott came on in the second-half. Jayden Danns also came on for the final few minutes to make his European debut.
The two of them helped Liverpool surpass a club record from the 1992/93 season. That campaign players 21-years-old or younger made 173 appearances for Liverpool.
This season though, with Elliott and Danns’ introduction last night, that number is now 175, according to Michael Reid from Opta.
That is a really special record to break in your final season at the club. It’s safe to say Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool in a really good place.
Why Liverpool fans should be excited about the future
It’s a difficult time to be excited about anything as a Liverpool fan. Klopp leaving feels like a dagger in our hearts.
On top of that, there is no denying it Liverpool look likely to miss out on a Premier League title once again, barring a miracle collapse from Manchester City.
But in reality there is plenty to be excited about for Liverpool. The club is full of really talented young players and FSG has made some key appointments recently.
Liverpool are definitely heading in the right direction and the future of the club is in safe hands.