Two losers are on stage; Klopp v Wenger. Top of the table clash between two club giants. It’s not. In fact, it’s a clash of two managers who could be next in line for a sacking!
You could argue that Klopp is more likely than Wenger to get the sack just due to longevity. But, the fact remains that Saturday’s tie is a must win for both team. For Arsenal, they play a midweek tie against Bayern Munich facing a near impossible task to overturn a 4-1 deficit. For Liverpool, they still don’t have as many points from 2017 as you would get from a Police Officer for using your mobile phone (6 – thank you Greater Manchester Police).
But, the bigger battle is off the pitch. Jurgen Klopp entered Anfield being courted as the man to bring a league title to Liverpool. The early signs were positive. Liverpool play with intensity, fluid football which catches the eye but also provides maximum entertainment. On the other hand, it seems this is exactly what has taken its toll on the Liverpool side of late who have been unable to muster a run of wins in 2017.
Perhaps this is Klopp’s biggest test. We all know when the going gets tough, the tough get going. But, we have been unable to see this from Klopp at Liverpool so far or Liverpool as a club for many years. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to respond and produce an energetic performance that reminds us what he has still to offer. Liverpool have been notorious this season at home, beating Tottenham, Man City and drawing with Man United in impressive fashion. Klopp knows they need a win like that more than ever.
For Wenger, you could say this is “De-Ja-Vu”. Almost every season, Arsenal falter after November and then come back strong towards March finishing the season well and in that top 4 spot.
Arsene Wenger has been here before. He knows the burden of the pressure, he understands the demands of the fans, he know what needs to be done. But, the question is different this year. The question is even if Arsene Wenger delivers fourth this season, is he still wanted at Arsenal next season? The fans will tell you not. The board may speak otherwise, Wenger is moneymaking machine.
Whichever way the Arsenal board go, Arsene Wenger will be well prepared for Saturday. He knows he needs his big players to stand up and be counted – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud. For Liverpool, this is a must win. For Arsenal, you could argue a draw would be enough at this stage of the season. It all depends how Arsenal approach the game, will they come out in David Haye manner going punch for punch, toe to toe or will they produce a game plan looking to keep the Liverpool quadrant of pace under control?
Whatever happens on Saturday, one thing is for sure – it will play a huge in determining the fate for both of these managers at the end of the season.
What’s the possibility that neither will be in charge of a club come July 1st 2017?….
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