Klopp could point to several missed opportunities and an opposing goalkeeper who repelled Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino, but he’ll know the distance between where Liverpool are and where they need to be might need space travel to navigate.
Shorter-term they must radically improve when they meet Manchester City on Sunday, but there is some consolation their season will remain alive regardless of the outcome this weekend.
“Continuity and rhythm,” has been the Klopp buzz phrase in recent weeks. Never mind ‘heavy metal football’ at times this was more like a sentimental ballad by an out-of-tune crooner.
It’s not like Klopp is not trying to get the beat going - the ability to pick a side and stick with it offering a glimpse of Liverpool’s future. Rotation has been a compulsion rather than choice since he took over at Anfield, but armed with Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Firmino, the German was prepared to keep changes to a minimum.
It meant parking the League Cup final to focus primarily on Europe. Lucas Leiva’s inclusion at centre-half ahead of Kolo Toure was the only concession.
That decision almost backfired immediately when the makeshift defender lost possession within 60 seconds, presenting striker Caiuby with his first sight of goal. Augsburg’s Brazilian shot horribly over.
He’d squander an easier chance from another Lucas error before half-time, gifted a one-on-one with Simon Mignolet only to tamely find the side-netting. The warnings were there for Liverpool even during those periods they seemed to be in control, the lack of ruthlessness a recurring issue.
“This is how football is if you can’t decide the game early enough,” said Klopp. “They never changed their plan even when they were a goal behind but for 70 minutes we were so good we could not see their plan. Everyone will say we deserved the win and had the better chances but the biggest problem is we did not score enough. It’s still a long way and the problem is we could not control the game in the last 20 minutes.”
There were moments of encouragement as Liverpool’s attacking trio combined, even if their early lead was courtesy of Augsburg generosity and diligent refereeing.
Clement Turpin was the only one in the stadium to spot Dominik Kohr’s handball from Jordan Henderson’s 5th minute cross. There was no appeal but the official pointed to the spot, replays earning him congratulation rather than condemnation.
Milner stepped up and stroked Liverpool ahead. As well as the lead, it ensured no heavy legs before Wembley as extra-time was now impossible. Leaving Anfield injury free was significant especially as robust challenges were shaken off.
“Absolutely it’s important, every player needs to know they can carry on when it gets a bit harder,” said Klopp.
“They’re both very important for us but we need them in best shape and can only get that through training and matches.
“Phil had one or two challenges, but we need to find new faith or trust in the body of the players.”
Sturridge and Firmino forced Marwin Hitz into several saves but Augsburg’s official tweet insisting an early concession was ‘not the end of the world’ was apt as the Bundesliga side showed they could penetrate Liverpool’s defence by hitting it as high and long possible. This was more Tony Pulis than Toni Kroos from the home of the world champions.
Liverpool needed a second and Sturridge was inches away three minutes into the second half after quick thinking from Coutinho. The striker looked offside as he stoked past Hitz but controversy was averted as he was narrowly wide.
The home pressure was intensifying, but there were also anxieties as Klopp knew an away goal would change the complexion of the evening.
The latter stages played out with familiar lack of assuredness in Liverpool’s defence, Augsburg piling forward in pursuit of the critical away goal.
Stafylidis thought he’d won the tie with an 89th minute free-kick that had Mignolet beaten but was just wide. It looked ominous for Klopp’s side as cool head were absent but they held on.
“It is not relevant to Sunday but the team has benefited from a good performance. You could say same about City in Kiev last night,” said Klopp.
"We will try our damnedest to get a good performance on Sunday."
Liverpool have not yet made a significant forward thrust under Klopp. A Wembley win would finally provide it.
- Telegraph