EPL Late Tackle: Jurgen Klopp under no illusions as Liverpool fall to Watford

JURGEN Klopp said he knew what he was undertaking when he accepted the Liverpool job. After being thumped by Watford, there is nowhere to hide.

Liverpool's manager Juergen Klopp takes to the touchline before his team's English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

JURGEN Klopp said he knew what he was undertaking when he accepted the Liverpool job. After being thumped by Watford, the reality of the rebuild he took on looks even bigger.

The Reds’ slump against the promoted Hornets was perhaps the lowest point of a season that has already featured too many.

The fall to West Ham at Anfield, followed by being done over by Manchester United. Then there was another home defeat to Crystal Palace, and the lifeless stumble against Newcastle.

The headline-grabbing victories over Chelsea, Man City and Southampton have shown glimpses of what Klopp’s Liverpool could become, all high-pressing and quick movement with a fluid front three — but they have been few and far between, the exception, rather than the norm.

Klopp now has a worse record than his predecessor, the maligned Brendan Rodgers — over eight games, Rodgers won three, drew three and lost three — in his nine games in charge, Klopp has won three, drawn three and lost four.

So much for the revolution.

The mania surrounding Klopp’s appointment back in early October now seems like a lifetime ago as Liverpool flounder in mid-table, with easily the worst goal difference for any team in the top 10.

Everton, one spot below in 10th, have scored 11 more goals than their local rivals. Even Manchester United and Chelsea have score more than Liverpool. And this season, that’s saying something.

But despite the poor form, it is still too early to judge Klopp. Liverpool’s wild inconsistency under him is largely to be expected as he gets to grips with a new club and country, a squad created by someone else — all in his first Premier League season, one unlike any other.

Klopp applaud the fans after goalkeeper Adam Bogdan gifted Watford’s opening goal.

Klopp has said he can work with the players he has but inwardly he must be confounded by the lack of quality at Liverpool.

Defensively, the club has been a shambles for years. Rodgers’ inability to build a back line of Premier League quality was compounded by dodgy, error-prone signings. Klopp moved into his predecessor’s flat when he joined Liverpool and you have to wonder whether he found holes in all the rooms, such has been the neglect of Liverpool’s defence.

Upfront, someone at the club decided it was a good idea to blow $67 million on Christian Benteke, a decent striker but clearly unsuited to the way both Rodgers or Klopp play the game. Daniel Sturridge, even his injured bit-part role, only puts the spotlight on the Belgian’s lack of pace and movement.

Christian Benteke hasn’t repaid much of his $67m price tag.

And then there’s the competition — and there is a lot of competition. The Premier League has long been a feral contest, by the sheer amount of football played and torrid pace of the English game.

But this season is the most erratic in memory. Like little kids suddenly realising the school bully isn’t so tough, anyone is fair game, no aura is overpowering, no team unbeatable.

“I would say, hopefully, this is the most disappointing moment in my whole Liverpool FC life, from now,” Klopp said after the Watford loss.

Next up for Klopp — a team that have confounded every expert so far this season and scored almost double what Liverpool have managed. When was the last time Leicester were favourites to beat Liverpool...?

HIGHLIGHT

Norwich’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford was well deserved and hugely entertaining — for any non-Manchester United fans at least. The downside — the result pushes Louis van Gaal closer to the exit, where a newly employable Jose Mourinho lurks with intent. That seems like bad news for everyone else.

LOWLIGHT

Manchester United again. How has the club got to this? Having managed just seven shots on target in their last four Premier League home games Van Gaal has committed the worst crime for a United manager — being boring.

Riyad Mahrez’s sensational form has been instrumental in Leicester’s rise to the top.

UNSTOPPABLE

Jamie Vardy has been grabbing the headlines this season but Leicester teammate Riyad Mahrez might be more deserving. After bagging two in the thrilling win over Everton, the Algerian has now been involved in 18 goals this season (11 goals, 7 assists). Surely Leicester won’t be able to keep him beyond this season.

DROP ZONE

In another flip from usual service, while the top four is anyone’s game, the relegation battle already looks to be taking shape. Aston Villa, Sunderland and Swansea all look doomed already.

CHERRIES RIPE

Bournemouth continued their resurgence with battling 2-1 win over tricky West Brom. It would be a good thing for the Premier League if Eddie Howe’s classy club extend their stay in the top flight.

Originally published as EPL Late Tackle: Jurgen Klopp under no illusions as Liverpool fall to Watford