Jürgen Klopp’s recent ‘genius’ just hogged Man City legend in exciting Liverpool glance.
The media lauded a new Liverpool signing as ‘incredible’ and a ‘genius’ for his stellar performance, which may have contributed to a manager’s dismissal.
Hansi Flick’s position could be in jeopardy if Jürgen Klopp is contacted by the German national team.
According to Jan ge Fjrtoft, the DFB ‘dreams’ of appointing Klopp as manager and could even offer him the opportunity to continue instructing the Reds alongside national team duties, though he would likely decline.
Flick and Germany were eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup last year, having been anticipated to advance alongside Spain after being drawn against Japan and Costa Rica, and the misery has continued since.
This year, the Germans have played six matches, winning one (a 2-0 victory against Peru in March), drawing one (a six-goal match against Ukraine in June), and losing the other four.
A 3-2 loss to Belgium was more acceptable than a 1-0 loss to Poland and a 2-0 loss to Colombia. On Saturday, Japan, which had been such an annoyance to Die Mannschaft in Qatar, handed them their worst defeat to date, a 4-1 victory in Wolfsburg.
This time, there was nothing tangible at stake in the game, but the outcome still left Flick hanging by a thread, given the team’s overall trajectory.
End was one of the Samurai Blue’s most prominent players, ranking third in touches (54) and completed passes (35).
He finished with an accuracy of 88 percent, repeatedly helping Japan evade the German press with his composed and precise distribution, and finding a teammate with three of his five long passes, thereby setting up dangerous wingers Junya It and Kaoru Mitsuya to attack their fullbacks.
Endō was absolutely everywhere over the course of the game, both contesting (13) and winning (seven) more ground duels than anybody else. He also led his team in total tackles with four, the most notable of which was a courageous challenge on Robin Gosens as the wing-back prepared to shoot inside the penalty area.
The 30-year-old made two interventions and drew a match-high three fouls, including one from Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich that relieved pressure in the Japan penalty area following a scramble.
End was up against a formidable opponent in lkay Gündoan, currently of Barcelona but a Manchester City legend who made more than 300 appearances, won five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups (thanks in part to a brace in this year’s final against Manchester United), four Carabao Cups, and a Champions League.
Nevertheless, against all odds, the Liverpool player triumphed, dominating his decorated opponent throughout.
End prevailed in their physical battles, knocking Gündoan to the ground and sending a pass to It before extracting a foul from the Manchester City star by interposing his body between the player and the ball.
Later in the game, after End seized on a loose pass from former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can, Gündoan attempted to pressure him, but he was still able to pass the ball.
In stark contrast to his opponent, he only won two of five ground duels during the course of the contest.
Predictably, the media in End’s native country have lavished him with praise after another notable victory. Yahoo Japan described him as a “midfield genius” (via Rousing the Kop), while Gekisaka praised his “unbelievable” labor rate.
Flick was a longtime admirer of End, having told the press during the World Cup that he was “one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga” (via ECHO).
On Saturday, the $21 million (£16 million/€19 million) acquisition validated that evaluation, but he may have cost the Germany manager his job in the process. It was a thrilling glimpse of the future for Liverpool.
Jürgen Klopp’s recent ‘genius’ just hogged Man City legend in exciting Liverpool glance.