Hughes’ Klopp Praise
Bet365MARK HUGHES believes Jurgen Klopp has significantly changed Liverpool’s mentality and is backing them to take their chase for the title right down to the wire.
The Reds have enjoyed a tremendous first half of the season and currently sit in second place behind leaders Chelsea heading into Christmas having recorded recent back-to-back away triumphs over Bournemouth and near-neighbours Everton.
Whilst Hughes feels the Reds have always had quality within their ranks to challenge for top spot, he feels that the mentality Klopp has installed into his players will aid them as they bid to secure a first top-flight crown since 1990.
“Jurgen has maybe given them a belief that they can take that final step and really challenge for the title,” Hughes said on Thursday.
“He is enthusiastic and a big character and Liverpool fans have really warmed to him.
“They appear to be a positive club again, and Jurgen is a big reason behind that – he has added a mentality to the club that is really driving them forward.
“Jurgen has very good players working exceptionally hard now, and they have a real intensity to their play which maybe they didn’t have before.”
He added: “People will expect them to be in and around the top few places come the end of the season so it will be interesting to see where they finish this season.”