‘The season is finished’, ‘there’s nothing left to play for’, ‘can we skip to next season?’ Plenty of Liverpol fans have been thinking along these lines in recent weeks.
Of course, the campaign is far from over and there is still a trophy left to play for - the Champions League to be specific. But the key priority for the remainder of this campaign is surely to instil confidence in the transition of this struggling Liverpool side and set things up for a comeback next term.
This Premier League campaign has been a shocker so far for Reds. After 20 games played, they find themselves in 10th place with seven top flight defeats on the board all while failing to defend the FA Cup and Carabao Cup they won back in May.
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Even the most optimistic of Liverpool fans are now starting to resign themselves to the fact this season will end without a trophy and with no Champions League football to look forward to next term. Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Wolves was the final straw for a lot of fans and reason to be positive about the next campaign is what Reds fans are now searching for.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are without a league win this calendar year having lost three of their last four. 11 points separate Liverpool and fourth spot. With each passing week, the prospect of closing the gap on Eddie Howe’s men becomes less believable.
With 18 league games left to play, there are 54 points up for grabs for the Reds. Liverpool could actually end the season with 83 points on the board. Now, everyone is well aware that won’t be happening, but it is proof all is not lost just yet. However, Klopp may well focus his efforts on turning ‘doubters into believers’ once again.
Why would Jude Bellingham think about joining Liverpool many fans have asked on social media? The club is one of the most attractive places to play football on the planet and Klopp is amongst the best managers in the world. One thing that could sway Bellingham away from Anfield is the apparent lack of direction from the club.
An upward turn in form is drastically needed and the team need to be seen going back in the right direction if they are to persuade the England star to join the Reds over Real Madrid and Manchester City in the summer.
Much has changed for the Reds this campaign with Sadio Mane exiting the club in the summer plus the arrival of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo sparking a new era for the front three; one that will require time and patience with two 23-year-olds adapting to a new country and style of play.
Yes, Liverpool are going to take on Madrid on Tuesday, February 21 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, but, realistically, what are the chances of the Reds pulling off a miracle and making it number seven in Istanbul? It certainly would have to be a miracle.
The key target for the remaining three months of this campaign should be to plan for next season and aim to hit the ground running. Midfield changes are needed and coming in the summer one way or another, but a system has to be found to get the best out of the likes of Nunez and Gakpo.
As always, injuries have played a huge part in Liverpool’s poor form this campaign and the forward three has been ripped apart. Next season, it is likely Luis Diaz will retake his place on the left of the forward line with Mohamed Salah occupying the right. Then, Klopp is able to choose between the blistering pace of Nunez through the middle or Diogo Jota’s guile and tenacity.
But, what happens with Gakpo? He showcased in the World Cup and in some glimpses for Liverpool that he may be capable of playing in a Roberto Firmino-type false nine role. That is something Klopp could exploit. Also, Gakpo will prove a huge addition to the squad. It isn’t just the starting XI that wins trophies after all.
In recent weeks Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have found themselves out of the starting XI - something hard to imagine a season or so back, especially in the case of the Brazilian. With a midfield revamp said to be on the way in the summer, the duo may well have to get used to being on the sidelines.
Once May comes around, Klopp must have an idea of how his side are looking heading into an important summer rebuild. Could a change of formation even be coming next season? Liverpool did use 4-2-3-1 in their 3-2 loss at Arsenal and in patches earlier this season. The German won two Bundesliga titles playing that way and it could be something he revisits as he looks to breathe new life into the Reds.
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