Jurgen Klopp has insisted that it will take time for Luis Diaz to adjust to the defensive responsibilities placed on Liverpool’s forwards.
Klopp’s quotes come from his pre-Leeds press conference via liverpoolfc.com.
“For us, it means the way he [Diaz] has to defend, that’s really important because that’s definitely different to Porto,” said Klopp.
“He had some problems in the first half in the game [against Norwich] definitely because we were not brilliant. There were not a lot of options to play and all these kind of things.”
Klopp says that he didn’t want to overload Diaz given that with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, it was a ‘new’ front three on Saturday.
“We knew that before the game and we didn’t want to make it worse by giving him pretty much a playbook – ‘If the ball is there you go there and if the ball is there you go there’ – because you have then to let them be as sure about themselves as possible,” said the manager.
An interesting insight into the fact that Liverpool’s forwards are expected to be stout defenders as well as scintillating attackers.
A Klopp player
Klopp’s comments show why Liverpool’s recruitment process is so rigorous.
The way that The Reds play is magnificent to watch. But it doesn’t come about by accident.
When signing players, Liverpool need to take a great number of things into account.
Not only does the individual have to have the technical capabilities to adapt to the system, but they also need to be the kind of character who is willing to take on and put instructions into practice.
It’s why Klopp places such emphasis on the player’s personality and back-story.
Although he would be a dream signing for many fans, it’s difficult to see Kylian Mbappe for instance, putting in the defensive work that Klopp demands of his forwards.
Fitting like a glove
He may need to learn the defensive side to Liverpool’s game, but Diaz looks ready-made for Liverpool.
Klopp is delighted with how the Colombian has settled in so far. By the sound of it, the boss is looking forward to moulding his player into his vision over the coming years.
But he’s also happy with what the 25-year-old is naturally bringing to the table.
“There will be moments when we have to talk longer and in more detail, but that’s not now because we want him like he is and not directly convert him into what we think he can be in the future,” said Klopp.
“There is time for that, but I am really happy with what he is delivering now and from there we will go.”
If he’s this good now, just imagine how incredible he could be after a few months of working closely with Jurgen.
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