No.8: John Keith (local author)
Esteemed local author John Keith, a man who covered Liverpool during the Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley era, pens these thoughts on Liverpool's dramatic road to Basel under Jürgen Klopp.
If ever the belief that a team can reflect its manager’s qualities needed supporting evidence then look no further than Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp.
There is no doubt that since the German arrived at Anfield in October the Liverpool squad has undergone a personality change, with Klopp's natural zest and exuberance transmitting itself to the players.
His zany routines in front of the dugout have been reflected on the field. Sure, he preaches the pressing game fundamental to regaining possession at the earliest opportunity.
But there is also a sense of adventure, an approach bordering on the cavalier, about Liverpool which has blended into a heady cocktail never better illustrated than the remarkable comeback conquest of Borussia Dortmund.
I have been present at all of the great European nights at Anfield, stretching back to the ultimate occasion of the groundbreaking defeat of Inter Milan in the European Cup semi-final first leg in 1965, and the dispatch of Dortmund was the most breathtaking, enthralling comeback I've seen.
Little wonder broadcasters battled against dry throats trying to relay the almost unbelievable events!
Liverpool's progress to the Europa League final has been impressive. No half-hearted approach by Klopp. He's taken the competition deadly seriously and to eliminate Manchester United, Dortmund and Villarreal in successive ties is no mean feat.
The special feel of European football is part of Liverpool's DNA. The Kop has been brought up on it since the day in August 1964 that Reykjavik started the ball rolling. Klopp has ensured the ball is still travelling.