Blog: Encouraging signs for Reds ahead of Chelsea

The Jürgen Klopp era is in full swing and it has been a stable transition thus far for the new Reds boss and his squad. The players appear to be enjoying playing under the German and have fully embraced his tactics, as evidenced by their avoidance of defeat in his first four games in charge.

Although a late goal denied us victory against Southampton last Saturday, there were still plenty of positives to take. Fans got to see the players show the high-pressing, intense tempo and intricate forward play that served as the foundation of so many of the manager's past successes.

Of course, nothing beats a win, so our 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in the League Cup on Wednesday night was even more encouraging.

Klopp's methods were expressed to full effect, as we continually pressured the away side into making mistakes and pulled their defenders out of position, which then led to goalscoring opportunities.

The decisive goal was taken brilliantly, with Roberto Firmino providing an excellent pass into the area for Nathaniel Clyne's winner - a well-taken team goal that the manager will have no doubt been happy with.

Firmino had arguably his best game in a Liverpool shirt since his move to Anfield this summer and was a constant menace with his passing, movement and skill. Once he finds his goalscoring touch, the Brazilian will be able to show the form that led Klopp to label him one of the best players in the Bundesliga.

Klopp has certainly laid the foundations for how he wants Liverpool to play and we are slowly becoming a team that is difficult to beat. Add this to his magnetic personality and engaging way with words and the excitement that continues to surround the club shows no sign of waning.

Wednesday's win sets us up perfectly for a crucial encounter on Saturday. Chelsea are our next opponents and it appears to be a great time to go up against Jose Mourinho's men.

The two sides look to be on different trajectories at this stage in the season - while Liverpool are finding their feet under Klopp, the Premier League champions have suffered a touch of poor form of late with just three wins from their opening 10 league games.

As with the past four contests under Klopp, how we begin the game will be crucial. We can really unsettle Chelsea's defence from the get-go with a high-tempo start, and the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana can be pivotal to that.

The midfield battle will also be crucial with Nemanja Matic likely to be a key man again for the hosts in the middle of the park. A number of sides, particularly Swansea earlier this year, have been able to get the better of Chelsea because they have seized control of the midfield, and James Milner is the type of player who will relish the contest with their Serbian holding man.

Defensively, the back four have become a sound unit over the past four games and Klopp will demand the same level of concentration that has ensured two clean sheets since he took over.

Christian Benteke also missed Wednesday's League Cup match through injury, but should he be available on Saturday, his presence and physicality up front will be a massive boost against Chelsea's defence.

We must not underestimate the home side, of course; despite a tough start to the season they still possess the likes of Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar and Willian, players who are certified game-changers. The Blues have also shown that they are still devastating on the counter attack, and this may prove key on Saturday.

At this stage in Klopp's tenure, the magnitude of the trip to Chelsea should not be exaggerated. It is a vital game and his first taste of battle against one of the league's top teams, but there are plenty more challenges to come over the course of a long season.

What will be more important is how the players continue to adapt to Klopp's tactics.

A great performance will provide further evidence that he is leading Liverpool in the right direction. But a win will be even sweeter.

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