History suggests Klopp can crown Liverpool bow with White Hart Lane win

It’s the red carpet affair everyone has been waiting for, as new Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp prepares to make his Premier League dugout debut against Tottenham. But what can the raucous travelling Reds fans expect from the daring German’s first match in charge?

If Klopp’s previous club bows are anything to go by, the Liverpudlians could prove value at 15/8 for victory at White Hart Lane, as this quirky tactician cracks the champagne to initiate his Anfield reign.

There is certainly a positive pattern to past opening appearances which will hearten even the most die-hard of Brendan Rodgers fans, as Klopp began his previous two coaching roles in some style.

Transitioning from player to tactician with then-minnows Mainz, Klopp strode into the hotseat with ease against MSV Duisburg, whom his side defeated 1-0. Surely Liverpool fans will crave more, but a narrow victory against Spurs away from home would be nothing to sniff at, and is 9/1 with Coral to occur.

Surely there is the potential for goal gluts in this game, however, considering the often error-prone defences on display. Klopp could instead begin cautiously, having had little time to tweak his team, with a substantial portion of his squad absent on international break since his recent appointment.

The impact of ‘new-manager syndrome’ can never be overlooked, as Liverpool’s often lacklustre and lethargic roster may just get the jolt they need from fighting for places under their exacting new boss. Already schooled in possession play by Rodgers, the Reds should not take too much time to adapt.

Liverpool support can take their pick of Borussia Dortmund debuts, as Klopp also started out with the German giants in similarly superb fashion, in both the Bundesliga and domestic cups.

A DFB Pokal bow against regional rivals Rot-Weiss Essen ended 3-1 in the BvB’s favour, which was a sign of things to come, with a maiden German Super Cup outing for the coach with that club resulting in a resounding 3-1 triumph against soon-to-be bitter foes Bayern Munich. What a way to welcome yourself to a new stage!

It did not stop there, however, as a first Bundesliga game in charge saw the brilliant boss beat Bayer Leverkusen away 3-2. The Merseyside men would be happy to win by any of those outcomes, and it is a tempting 5/1 chance for London to rain goals and the Reds to score three or more.

Notably, canny Klopp used variations of a 4-4-2 in all of his first outings as a coach, eventually developing fluid formations lauded for their ability to transition so easily from defence to attack.

Always eager to adapt to the tools at his disposal, Coral experts have already speculated that the coach may employ a 4-4-2 diamond, considering the lack of quality wide options available at Anfield.

Though with Christian Benteke still injured, expect to see Daniel Sturridge up top for now, and Danny Ings may not be a shoe-in for an away game, despite his willingness to chase and press. Philippe Coutinho could instead operate behind the striker with a view to fitting in both the Brazilian and compatriot Roberto Firmino in future.

It certainly appears as if Reds players have taken to the new tactics, after midfield grafter Lucas told press: “It has been very positive. He seems to be very passionate – he likes to put in everything that he has and he asks the players for the same.

“Be very intense, be aggressive with yourself, is what he has been saying. Always try to be better, always give 10 metres more, because that will be the key to success,” added the South American. Liverpool fans will be awaiting this bow with baited breath.