Liverpool were well-aware that their decision not to strengthen their midfield last summer was both a controversial and an unpopular one.
Having nearly won an unprecedented quadruple the year before, Jurgen Klopp kept faith with his ranks despite outside outcry. The German would even regularly defend such a stance publicly once the season got underway.
Yet, boasting an ageing squad, this is where the Reds’ campaign fell apart. Last summer, club sources would admit that results would ultimately dictate whether such a transfer strategy was right or not. Failure to qualify for the Champions League speaks for itself.
