Dogged Defiance: Liverpool’s Habit of Never Giving In

By Leanne PrescottTwitter – @_lfcleanne“I had heart, a will to win, to work.”Defiance is characterised as an ‘open resistance’; a will to carry on. A disobedience to succumb to the narrative, a boldness, audacity.The ability to surround one’s self with people primed on high standards, those determined to win every day while holding themselves accountable on the days they fall short. It all stems from the manager; it is his duty to instil a positive attitude, to provide the environment in which his players can learn, develop and flourish. To set an ideology in which nothing but victory will do. To persevere when things aren’t going your way. To continue to believe.That’s exactly what Klopp’s Liverpool possess.Last year, once the heartache from Kiev had subsidised, there was a resounding feeling that this was not the club’s final destination – this was not where the journey would end. The Reds would not be stunted or squashed but buoyant and determined to get back to Europe’s biggest stage.Strengthening the club’s resolve, Jurgen Klopp has instilled a sense of calm in a group of players continually growing in belief.

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A defiance from the get-go, an unwillingness to bow down to the narrative that City were destined for their second successive domestic title before a ball was kicked, to keep going in the pursuit of glory.The very fact Liverpool boast the best points record from losing positions this season (16) serves as evidence of the perseverance and unrelenting determination Klopp has instilled.An 81^st minute winner against Fulham, a last-gasp deflection against Tottenham and a second-half resurgence at St Mary’s, this Liverpool team have hauled themselves through the nerves and the jitters, establishing a wonderful habit of never giving in.Against Chelsea, there was no attention paid to media comparisons of five years ago, no fear that Liverpool couldn’t come through their toughest remaining test unscathed. A statement 2-0 win would brush off the cobwebs of 2013/14, locking them firmly in the past.Andy Robertson even slipped without any repercussions for good measure.Subject to an early onslaught in Portugal, Wednesday required Liverpool to dig deep in the opening half-hour before the front-three flexed their muscles to orchestrate a second rout at the Estadio de Dragao in as many seasons.Playing without trepidation, Manchester City will be acutely aware that, while the title remains theirs to lose, Liverpool aren’t going anywhere and will be ready to pounce on any mistakes.While the outcome of the campaign remains firmly up in the air, nothing can take away from the achievements of Klopp and his team, for the growth of these men.Mentality monsters.By Leanne PrescottTwitter – @_lfcleanne