Klopp sets another record with Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp became the first manager to reach 50 wins with Liverpool in European competitions, after defeating LASK 3-1 in their opening match of Group E in the Europa League.

Klopp set a new milestone in his 82nd match managing Liverpool in European competitions. The German coach led Liverpool to win the Champions League in 2019, finish as runners-up in 2018 and 2022, and win the UEFA Super Cup in 2019. He also led Liverpool to the Europa League final in 2016, but lost 1-3 to Sevilla in Basel.

Klopp paid tribute to Liverpool fans after their 3-1 victory over LASK Link on September 21st. Photo: Liverpool FC

Klopp surpassed the record of Rafa Benitez, who had 49 wins in continental competitions while managing Liverpool from 2004-2010. Like Klopp, Benitez also won a Champions League and a European Super Cup with Liverpool in 2005.

Bob Paisley won 39 out of 61 European matches managing Liverpool between 1974 and 1983, securing three European Cups. Meanwhile, Bill Shankly – Paisley's predecessor – led Liverpool to 34 wins in 65 matches and won their first European title – the UEFA Cup (the predecessor of the current Europa League) – in 1973.

After the win against LASK, when asked about the new milestone with Liverpool, Klopp jokingly replied: "If I still had 50 wins after the group stage, I would still be the most successful Liverpool manager, but people would hate that. This milestone is great, but I achieved this because European competitions now have more matches than before."

At the Raiffeisen Stadium on September 21st, Liverpool continued their habit of slow starts, allowing LASK to take the lead in the 14th minute thanks to a spectacular volley from Florian Flecker. In the second half, the visitors finally exploded with three goals from Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah to secure their fourth comeback victory in six matches this season.

Klopp stressed that Liverpool will not have an easy time in the Europa League as fans expect. "I know everyone expects us to race to the finish line in this competition. But that won't happen, in the group stage or the knockout rounds," the German coach stated. "Liverpool have to work hard and that's what the whole team has done. We have to continue to learn and improve."

Salah scores the goal that sealed Liverpool's 3-1 victory at LASK Link on September 21st. Photo: Liverpool FC

Yesterday, Liverpool replaced all 11 players in their starting lineup compared to their 3-1 win against Wolves in the Premier League last weekend. Klopp gave opportunities to reserve players such as 18-year-old midfielder Ben Doak, new signing Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, defender Konstantinos Tsimikas, and Stefan Bajcetic.

"The reason Liverpool made these changes is to show that we really want to give our all in the Europa League. I want the team to be hungry to perform and enjoy the game," the 56-year-old coach explained.

On September 24th, Liverpool will play West Ham in the sixth round of the Premier League, and then face Leicester in the third round of the League Cup on September 27th, both at Anfield.

Hong Duy

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