Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool have the ideal blend of youth and experience for a successful future despite their shortcomings in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
But the Reds boss has confirmed there will be departures in the playing staff this summer as the Anfield recruitment team finalise plans for a much-publicised midfield reconstruction.
The Reds currently sit fifth in the Premier League table and face the prospect of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 2016, with Manchester United currently boasting a four-point advantage despite having played a game less.
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But despite their uncertain European future, the club's recruitment department have been working hard behind the scenes to orchestrate summer deals - with Brighton and Argentina star Alexis Mac Allister emerging as a priority transfer target.
On the other hand, the Reds' veteran vice-captain James Milner will leave the club this summer after a glittering eight-year career on Merseyside in which he has won every top-level trophy. He is set to be joined by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo as all four midfielders depart once their contracts expire at the end of June.
Liverpool are understood to be in the market for at least two midfielders after taking the decision to shelve their interest in Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, who would have commanded a fee in the region of £130m to be prised away from the Signal Iduna Park in the upcoming transfer window.
And with an alternative, more practical approach taken to solving their glaring engine room issues, Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount are also understood to be in the thinking.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premer League clash with Brentford, Klopp insisted his side already have the ideal foundations for a bright future despite plans to revamp certain areas of the squad.
“I love this team, honestly. It’s a really good group," said Klopp. "Yes, we will change slightly, that’s clear, but the basis is absolutely great.
“Age-wise the basis is great. Up-front, last line. Yes, midfield we have super young talents there as well. There is everything there that you need, to have a really positive and optimistic view of it.”
Describing the issues that have tormented Liverpool's campaign this season and subsequently left them in a late sprint for Champions League qualification, the German insisted a lack of confidence has been a significant factor within the playing ranks but says he has seen enough positives throughout a gloomy campaign to hold hopes that his side can return to their previous trophy-winning heights.
“I watch the players, I see them in training," he added to Sky Sports. "Yes - I saw a lot of bad sessions, but not from an attitude point of view, just from a confidence point of view. Like missing chances in training where I thought, ‘oh my God, that was more difficult than finishing it off’, these moments - we had them.”
“But, I see all the other things as well [positives]."
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