I’m a fan of "Kloppy Ze Clown". Football aside, he’s just a lovely fella.
I usually find the German English accent a bit funny, but for some reason - probably because he’s widely respected - he’s transcended the usual stereotypical German piss-taking.
I like the way he refrains from making lots of excuses, I like his passion, he’s a proper footballing man and good at what he does.
What the worry is I guess, from a Liverpool fan’s perspective, is whether he’s the absolute real deal, able to create a fast enough sprint to get over the last hurdle?
While Scousers have made themselves believe more than ever that this is finally their year after so many lean seasons, I know that a subconscious doubt haunts the deeper regions of their minds, built on years of disappointment and defeat.
It’s a tough one, especially as the last couple of seasons have seen forward direction, improvement and a distinct upturn in the vibe around the club.
Nevertheless, despite sitting pretty level at the top of the table, something has stagnated since the last campaign, perhaps even declined, following the rip-roaring (almost) success of 2017/18. The fire isn’t quite there, the maverick approach dampened and the momentum lost.
Sure, it's early days and the results have been good so far, but for me, the missing factor lies in the front three.
The fearsome pace and movement has dissipated and with it the general hunger of the side.
I understood Klopp’s acquisition (at a steal) of Xherdan Shaqiri. It looked like another shrewd move to plug a gap.
When Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were clicking last season, there was absolutely no stopping them, but when one was injured, it tended to fall apart hence Shaqiri.
But what is evident at the moment, is that the gaffer’s efforts to plug the back line and sure up the middle of the park has interfered with the attacking movement of the side as a whole.
The German has his midfielders sitting a little deeper, with less active pressing.
I gather this is to encourage the opposition to open up a little, given that most sides last season sat with two rigid defensive lines to try and quell the constant threat.
The tactic also creates a noticeably bigger gap between the midfield and the front trio, often leaving them looking a bit isolated.
I guess Naby Keita’s role was meant to fill that gap?
While understanding that a key area to improve on was letting in fewer goals, it feels like the essence of Liverpool over the last couple of years has been sacrificed slightly.
I think Klopp had a winning formula, but they didn't win any trophies.
So is Jurgen Klopp the man to take Liverpool back to their glory days?
Over his three years at Anfield, he’s spent over £400m! That’s a lot of dosh for no silverware. Will the board back him further? I’m sure they will for now.
He’s brought belief back to the club. He’s also brought a lovely feel-good approach with his players. But football’s a dirty game these days and at the very top level, it has no place for almost.
On a brighter note, the boring international break has passed and it's straight back to Premier League action with a proper cracker as struggling Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge for the lunchtime kickoff on Saturday.
Come and watch it with me at The Blue Whistle in Claremont.
I’ll supply tissues for tears, nappies for squeaky bums and maybe a shot of something to help deal with the pain welcome to the world of Sarriball!