After the failed Premier League start of his FC Liverpool with the promoted Jürgen Klopp was visibly served. The 2: 2 (0: 1) at FC Fulham annoyed the Liverpool coach immensely on Saturday. “On a scale of one to ten? A twelve!” said the contrite Klopp of his frustration after the draw, which the 55-year-old felt as a defeat. “The result is not a defeat, but the performance was a defeat and so we need to find out why.”
On top of that, Klopp, who had to do without several injured players such as Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita or Diogo Jota on the first day of the game, is now threatened with another loss. Ex-Bayern star Thiago had to be replaced at the beginning of the second half. The extent of his injury is still unclear.
But there were also positives: After all, new signing Darwin Núñez (62nd) scored on his debut. Crowd favorite Mohamed Salah (80th) finally got the Reds a point – and Klopp summed it up after the day: “The best news about this game is the result.”
His German coaching colleague Thomas Tuchel must have felt the same way after a moderate performance by his Chelsea FC. However, Tuchel was able to celebrate three points after the Blues had won 1-0 (1-0) at Everton. The team around the German national player Kai Havertz needed a penalty kick, which Jorginho (45.9) confidently converted.
“A win is a win is a win,” said Tuchel with a grin, “and of course it’s very important to build new self-confidence, strengthen faith and create the atmosphere.” At the same time, the 48-year-old admitted that his team still has a lot of room for improvement. “We have to be open to improvements, open to criticism, because there is still a lot to improve.”
National player Timo Werner was not in the squad for the away win at Goodison Park – officially because of an injury. However, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Werner will storm for the Blues this season. A return for the 26-year-old to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig is reportedly getting closer.
Former Dortmund player Erling Haaland had a fantastic start with his new club Manchester City. Haaland scored both goals in his first Premier League game on Sunday to make the English champions 2-0 (1-0) at West Ham United. In front of his father Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for the Cityzens from 2000 to 2003, the 22-year-old Norwegian scored from the penalty spot (36′) and after an assist from Kevin De Bruyne (65′).
