Arne Klopp, after he had Jurgen Klopp, made his Liverpool team in Pittsburgh.
It was daring not to apologize that took over from a legend. Eight months later, tangible reward in terms of hard silverware could arrive today in the form of the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
Andy Robertson, part of the Great Klopp Side who won the Premier League and Champions League, remembers that he was going to America to start his new manager on the pre-season tour of Liverpool.
“In his first meeting with the players, he actually said” We finished third last season and now we want to finish above the other two, “explains Scotland's captain.
“It was clear that he came in mind to win trophies, not to be happy with the top four. He understood in Liverpool that you cannot afford a setling-in-period, even after Jurgen.
'It is a huge club that expects to win. That was the manager's assignment. He tried to get as many ideas as possible and we jumped on board. He put us in a good place. '
This season Liverpool has been almost invincible with only one competition defeat, but there is uncertainty in the longer term with Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold from the contract. The place of the 31-year-old Robertson is also examined with reported interest in Milos Kerkez van Bournemouth.
The left back will not use the expression 'last dance', but gives the feeling that every final must be appreciated for this generation.
“We don't know when or where, but it will end soon,” he acknowledges “there are a few of us in the 1930s.
'Football always changes. People want new players, players away. It's just the world in which we live. That is fans for you. That is everyone for you. There is always someone elsewhere they love the appearance.
'What we have done so well this season is aimed at every game. You have seen our attitude and concentration. It has been perfect.
'I'm in a different phase of my career. I have had a number of non-best versions this season, but also some really good ones. Maybe they are not marked as they were like the new child in the block. '
The biggest target of Liverpool is the Premier League that they lead with 15 points. But the first available price must be arranged against Newcastle this afternoon.
A year ago, Klopp's children won the final against Chelsea famous. Robertson, who started, hopes that the memory outweighs the negative of Champions League exit against PSG last week.
“That final was incredible with the injuries we had and young boys who came from the bank,” he recalls.
'It was great to win it in the last minute (with the goal of Van Dijk). A lot is said about the League Cup, but you realize how fun it is to win. You just want that medal around your neck. '
Robertson talks about Slot as a tactical thinker, while Klopp built a culture of mentality samples.
“He (lock) changes many things on a game-to-game basis, depending on the opposition and what our team is,” says the defender.
'We played with two no. 10 and two wing players against City. Our blueprint under the previous regime was constant. If we did 100 percent, most teams could not live with us.
“We are now quieter on the ball, not so hectic, but the manager still wants us to be full of energy.”
Slot was animated during the break last weekend when Liverpool walked to Southampton last weekend before mounting a comeback. Robertson escaped every wrath because he was one of the three resting substitutes who warmed up while the manager brought his strict message.
“There was certainly a big difference in the way the other eight players performed,” Robertson smiles.
Newcastle will be a serious test with a 3-3 draw with the Reds in St James' Park in December.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley injured, there is a vacancy right, although Robertson seems to think that the opportunities that he is being asked to switch from the left are slim.
“I once played on the right for Scotland and changed to the left during the break, so that will probably tell you how that went!” He laughs. The most likely replacement is England, call-up Jarell Quansah that goes from Center-back.
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