Rio Ferdinand questions whether Liverpool’s ‘heavy metal’ brand of football under Jurgen Klopp has been a factor behind club’s slump after Champions League exit to Real Madrid
Rio Ferdinand has questioned whether Liverpool’s notorious ‘heavy metal’ brand of football has contributed to the club’s remarkable collapse this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s team were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid despite delivering a much-improving showing in the second leg.
The setback has left Liverpool solely embroiled in a dogfight to clinch a top four spot – and Ferdinand has now attempted to delve deeper into the cause of the slump.
Rio Ferdinand questioned whether Liverpool’s high-tempo style of play has caused their slump
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand (above) pointed to the relentless football under Jurgen Klopp
‘We asked the question before the game,’ Ferdinand said on BT Sport. ‘Is it because of the heavy metal brand of football Liverpool have been playing under Klopp?
‘He’s been here four years, five years… so is it sustainable, playing at that level? Is it the pandemic? Is it the injuries to key players?’
Despite the exit, Liverpool visibly returned to form at Anfield and pressed their LaLiga opponents in typical fashion in an attempt to spark a miraculous comeback.
Mohamed Salah missed a good chance as Liverpool were knocked out the Champions League
The performance led Michael Owen, also on BT Sport, to insist the Merseyside outfit’s formidable energy has been key to their glory since Klopp took charge.
‘I think the most common words we used in the build-up to this game were intensity and energy,’ Owen said. ‘We want to see that from Liverpool.
‘That’s what Liverpool have based their success on, certainly under Jurgen Klopp. It’s almost inexcusable when you don’t see that.
‘You can get over injuries, you can get over a lot of things, lack of form.
‘But if you don’t see that thing that makes everything tick, that spark to start with… and it’s so simple.’
More to follow.
