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As starts go it wasn't a bad one. It was October 8, 2015 when Jurgen Klopp accepted Liverpool's offer to replace Brendan Rodgers at Anfield, with the new boss heading to Tottenham for his first game in charge nine days later on October 17. Mauricio Pochettino was just starting the second year of his overhaul at White Hart Lane, and a fairly frenetic game followed in which both sides missed golden opportunities before settling for a 0-0 draw. Exactly three years on it is fair to say that both managers have improved their respective sides, but how has Klopp done it? Here are six key areas... Liverpool team for goalless draw away to Tottenham on October 17, 2015: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Milner, Lallana (Allen 81), Coutinho (Ibe 87), Origi Subs not used: Toure, Bogdan, Sinclair, Teixeira, Randall Personnel With a question mark over Adam Lallana these days and Nathaniel Clyne and Simon Mignolet consigned to the bench these days (only after the latter failed … [Read more...] about How Liverpool have changed since Klopp’s first game at Tottenham in 2015

Harry Winks has promised there is plenty more to come after ending a year of international frustration in Seville. Winks, 22, made his England debut in early October last year on a plastic pitch in Lithuania but persistent ankle problems meant he had to wait until Monday for his second one. He said: “The injury came at a difficult time for me, being just after my first cap it was quite difficult to take. “It is probably the most difficult experience I have had in my career so far. “Every player gets injuries, I’m no different but with me being young – and at the time I was performing well for club and had an opportunity with my country as well – it was tough for me to deal with. “But, mentally, you have to be strong and put up a barrier and deal with it. “I have come out of the other side and I feel a lot more mentally strong than before. “I never rest on my laurels or be happy with my performance. My mindset is to go back and work … [Read more...] about Winks insists there’s more to come after ending year-long England frustration

Gareth Southgate has warned his England players they must not get carried away by their 'Munich moment'. Southgate led England to a glorious win over Spain, arguably the country's best victory since beating Germany 5-1 in 2001. “The problem with that is Germany went on to win the World Cup final and we did not get that far, did we?," said the England boss, who was an unused substitute in Munich. He added: “I get the (Munich) reference and it is difficult for the players to fully understand what they have done because Spain have had such a run without losing and had real momentum with the new coach. Read More Spain 2-3 England “For some of the players especially it is a night they have to take forward with them. They have caused huge problems to some very good players. “They have showed courage with their mentality towards the game as well because there are a couple of players in their team who have got more caps between them than our entire squad. “I … [Read more...] about Southgate warns England stars not to get carried away by win over Spain

Clutching his England shirt signed by the entire squad, Nathaniel Chalobah was a picture of what it means for a young man to make his England debut. It might only have been for a few minutes, having replaced Harry Winks in added time. But the Watford midfielder, 23, must have ranked the happiest main Seville on Monday night. He said: “I can’t put it into words if I’m honest. Can you think of some words for me?! “When I was waiting to go on, it was almost like ‘oh my god I’m about to make my debut.’ Read More Spain 2-3 England “It’s every young boy’s dream, from when we start at under-16, the dream and the target is to get to the seniors. Hopefully that’s the first of many.” Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford has made a humorous admission after he failed to pull off a Cruyff turn in the second half of the clash. Three Lions keeper Pickford attempted to pull off a ridiculous piece of skill while under pressure from Spain … [Read more...] about Chalobah reveals gift England teammates handed him after Three Lions debut

With his 25th birthday looming and with his 36 caps, Eric Dier almost qualifies as an elder statesman of Gareth Southgate’s brave new England. He is certainly one of its leaders. Dier might not be an automatic starter but he is one of the manager’s trusted lieutenants, a sounding board for Southgate and an attitude-setter for the squad. And Dier is the first to remind this exciting, youthful collection of players that while the plaudits for their attractive football are nice, they need to EARN the right to play if the success in Spain on Monday night is to become the norm. He explained: “I think it’s really important that we respect our opponents but, at the same time, once we start the game, it’s every man for himself and we have to put our foot down, put a marker down and be aggressive. “We still have to have respect but we have to be aggressive, be on the front foot and show that nothing is going to intimidate us. “That is just as important … [Read more...] about Eric Dier makes comments about Sergio Ramos after crunching tackle