Borussia Dortmund v Liverpool, UEFA Europa League 2015-16 - Liverpool's performance was satisfactory at Dortmund

The quarterfinal clash between Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool created enough hype. Jurgen Klopp had returned to the place which is well known to him and immensely adored by the people of Dortmund. But this time around, Klopp will not be part of their team, but he will set his plans against them. Despite, being the coach of the opposition, I didn’t think, the love and respect for of the fans of Dortmund for Klopp waned a bit over the years. Klopp is still exists in their hearts.

Actually, I was not planning to watch the match, but could not resist myself from watching it and the reason behind it was Klopp. Yeah, I just wanted to see how he fares against that team, which bounced back in style under his astute coaching and man management. He fared well and made Dortmund look ordinary. And there was that guy named Philippe Coutinho, who was also the reason for watching this match last night.

Klopp’s plan to play Divock Origi proved to be a masterstroke

Jurgen Klopp decided to play the Belgian striker Divock Origi instead of Daniel Sturridge. It proved to be a masterstroke. Origi injected a new rhythm in the Liverpool up front with his bustling pace and occupied the Dortmund centre backs. Origi’s hold-up-play has improved over the years improvement in the youngster since his early appearances this season has been extraordinary and opportunities presented themselves on numerous occasions for Liverpool midfielders to send him clear. He paid back Klopp’s faith by giving Liverpool the lead in the 39^th minute would have had a second on the stroke of half-time had he shown more composure when sent into a one-on-one by Alberto Moreno. 

Livepool’s centre backs were brilliant 

While the defenders of teams like Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City had been horrifying, Klopp’s two centre backs: Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren were rock solid at Dortmund.  Lovren’s improvement was noticeable while  Sakho looked a formidable force when he cut out preventable passing errors. The French defender threw his body in the way of multiple attempts on goal, and his reading of the game in defence was a source of frustration for Dortmund’s attackers.

Apart from Lallana’s poor man marking during the aerial battle which led Mat Hummels to score the equalizer, Liverpool’s performance had been satisfactory. I just wanted a bit more of Coutinho. Yes, he was brisk at centre and on the left flank, very much aggressive up front and at times motored the attack, but that cutting edge was missing. I hope it will return at Anfield.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar