Liverpool’s Push For UCL Qualification, Summer Transfer Plans
Liverpool’s biggest criticism this season has been the lack of consistency. Even though the Reds have dominated against the big boys in the league, the disappointing displays against the lesser ones is exactly why they find themselves out of the title race.
With five games left in the season, Liverpool find themselves in a relatively comfortable position in the race for Champions League qualification.
Five finals to go
Liverpool go up against Crystal Palace this Sunday. The Reds do not have a great track record against the Eagles with 3 defeats and 1 draw against them in the last 7 meetings. With Southampton, currently at 9th, being the best placed side Klopp’s men have to face, ideally the run in would appear easy. But Liverpool’s track record this season suggests otherwise.
Sadio Mane has been arguably the team’s best player this season. His absence in the last 5 games would hurt Liverpool, without a doubt. Adam Lallana, who has been phenomenal this term, has also been a huge miss. He will miss the game against Palace but is set to take part in the last four games. Jordan Henderson’s condition does not look very bright and he could miss the entire season.
With all the injury worries for Klopp, the return to form of Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho has been crucial. However, the defence has played a more important role compared to the attack in keeping Liverpool in the race for a finish in top four. Recent wins against Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion have shown a side which is unknown to Klopp supporters.
Klopp’s temporary fix working for now
Liverpool started the season with gegenpressing at its best. They pressed the opposition out of the game and were deadly in front of goal. So deadly, that despite their drop in form they remain the highest scoring team in the league this year. But injuries and lack of bench strength means that they cannot play the same way. Conserving energy and defending well has been the tactic over this recent unbeaten run.
At times, Klopp has gone for a five man defence to keep clean sheets. But ongoing fitness problems of both Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren means that he does not have many defenders available either. Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum’s physicality and composure in the midfield has been a boost. On top of that, Simon Mignolet’s sudden improvement in front of goal has won priceless points for Liverpool.
Roberto Firmino’s work-rate and defensive input for a forward is statistically one of the best in Europe with an average of 1.6 tackles in a game. But it is his contribution in front of goal, with 3 goals and 3 assists in the last 6 games which has kept Liverpool’s season alive. But it is clear that Klopp does not like playing this way and will make changes in the summer.
Defence needs sorting this summer
According to multiple reliable press reports, Jurgen Klopp will be handed a transfer kitty of close to £100m, plus whatever he can generate through sales. With Daniel Sturridge, Alberto Moreno, Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho set to be sold, Klopp would expect another £70m to spend.
The goalkeeper situation looks better for Liverpool. Simon Mignolet has finally started to look like a keeper who can play regularly in the Champions League. Whereas Loris Karius and Danny Ward are talented enough to retain their respective places in the squad.
But it is the defenders ahead of them that needs Klopp’s serious attention. Liverpool’s defensive record has been abysmal ever since Jamie Carragher retired. They have been unable to buy or develop a natural leader like him. Although Matip has been a success in his first year, his inconsistency with respect to fitness is a huge concern. Virgil van Dijk seems to be the first choice of Klopp and the Kop to sort out their leaky defence. With James Milner set to continue at left-back next season, Liverpool are having a look at 16-year old, Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham as a long-term prospect.
Liverpool will look at midfielders and forwards
There is no doubt that Liverpool front six is very strong. On their day, they are capable of teaching anyone a lesson in football. But the problem arises when they lose a couple of players to injury. The lack of attacking options in the bench has cost Liverpool this season. Mane’s participation in the African Cup of Nations is where it started to go haywire for the Reds. They have no one else who offers the pace, strength and influence of Mane. Getting a winger or two will be a priority in the summer with links to Julian Brandt and Inaki Williams.
Jordan Henderson has had a torrid time with injuries in the last couple of years. His energy and work-rate is key to what Jurgen Klopp wants to achieve with the team. But now Klopp will look at other options. Naby Keita has had an amazing season with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He is reported to be Liverpool’s primary target in midfield in the summer. There are also reports of Klopp wanting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain because of his versatility.
With Daniel Sturridge almost certain to leave Liverpool in the summer due to lack of playing time, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and an injury-prone Danny Ings will be the only options up front. With Firmino being Klopp’s favourite player for the #9 role, and Origi playing second fiddle to him, it seems like there would not be any more room for another forward in the team.
Champions league key to transfer plans
It is no secret that to attract the best players in the world, you have got to be in the Champions League. This has to be priority number one for Klopp. Their fixtures might appear easy on the eye but are really tricky, with Liverpool’s injury situation. There lies a huge responsibility on the players to not disappoint their fans from a position which looks favourable for them.
Klopp will need no reminding of how crucial the next five games are and would be charged up to guide Liverpool to a finish in the top 4, which would be a good achievement this season, given how thin their squad is.
Image credits: Channel News Asia