The ECHO held its latest question and answer session on Tuesday with Ian Doyle, our Chief Liverpool FC Writer, in the hotseat.
Subjects such as the summer transfer window, contracts for the current forwards, life after Jurgen Klopp and just what happened during the second half at Crystal Palace were discussed...
BigChungo asks... Let’s forget the January transfer window for big improvement. Do you see FSG realistically investing big on players in the summer, and what positions are likely?
Ian Doyle: Pretty sure nobody's going to be coming in this month now. After all, the reason Liverpool might buy - the AFCON - will be almost finished by the time they play next.
All logic points to the fact FSG are going to spend reasonably big this summer. I'm fully expecting there to be a few notable departures, and I think there are some key areas that will need improving - midfield and the forward line. Possibly even a centre-back, depending on what happens with Joe Gomez or Joel Matip.
I think this will be the busiest summer since 2018 in terms of incomings - but it might be a case of quality rather than quantity. At least that's what I'd be aiming for. A couple of big buys and perhaps some younger talent that can be brought through.
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BenedictBlack asks... When are Liverpool likely to start paying big money for replacements for our ageing forward line? What are the chances of our landing Fabio Carvalho?
ID: I'd imagine addressing the forward line could continue this summer. It has already started with Jota, who has already in effect broken up the established front three. I wouldn't be surprised if there's at least one notable incoming in the forward line this summer.
Squads always evolve but it's difficult for Liverpool to maintain their level because they have, to some extent, overachieved with their transfer spend under FSG, certainly compared to Manchester City and Chelsea, while Manchester United have massively underachieved.
Liverpool perhaps cannot afford to go out and buy ready-made replacements for their very best players, so they will look to bring in those a little younger who have clear room for more improvement - essentially similar to the purchases of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, and now Diogo Jota. It's better to bring them in - like Jota - when most of the main players are already there. It means there's less pressure on those arriving to instantly perform, and they can be part of a gradual transition.
My colleague Paul Gorst reported last week Liverpool are one of several teams keeping a close eye on Carvalho. That's a long way from saying he's signing for the Reds, though. By younger players, I'm thinking more 23-24... although if the talent is there at a younger age, then there's no reason why Liverpool should wait if they think the player can do a job.
Poolboydownunder asks... How strong is the interest in Jude Bellingham, Jarrod Bowen and Luis Diaz?
ID: Well, they like Bellingham - who doesn't? - and they were looking at Bowen last summer, and since then he has kicked on tremendously at West Ham. So I'd say the interest is reasonably strong in both, certainly in the sense any offer in the future wouldn't be coming out of the blue.
Luis Diaz? I am not entirely sure on that one. But that there are so many forwards being linked does show where agents think Liverpool are looking to strengthen this summer.
Poolboydownunder also asks... Have the club begun planning for life after Klopp or is he staying longer?
ID: I doubt FSG will have their heads in the sand over what happens after Klopp, but it's not a pressing matter at the moment. They'll be keeping an eye on certain individuals - and, yes, one of them is sure to be a certain bloke from Huyton - but Klopp is going to be here for at least another two seasons after this one, all things being well.
I don't think Klopp will extend his contract, if I'm being honest. It's worth bearing in mind that when he reaches the end of his current deal in 2024, he'll have been in the hotseat almost nine years. By the end of this season, only Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley will have taken charge of more games as Liverpool boss in the last 100 years.
When you consider the pressures of the modern era, not to mention having to cope with a pandemic, if Klopp decides not to renew his contract, then nobody could blame him. He will have earned his rest. He's already a Liverpool legend in my eyes and those of many supporters I know.
Shurti asks... Besides Salah, are we offering new deals to Mane and Firmino? Aren't they upset with not receiving new deals when others are and all the focus seems to be on Salah? If no new deals, surely new forwards will join us in the summer?
ID: I'm pretty sure both Mane and Firmino have been told by the club what their respective positions are regards contract talks. And the club will know what Mane and Firmino have planned, too.
I've mentioned previously I expect there to be at least one new senior forward at the club in the summer - don't forget, it looks like Divock Origi is on his way and there's debate over Takumi Minamino's future - so they'll need to strengthen, even if Gordon has become a very real alternative.
StevieH101 asks... I'm just baffled how Liverpool can go from being superb in first half at Crystal Palace on Sunday to complete ineptness in the second. I'm no tactician but do you think Klopp is not a great tactician? It seems to happen a lot.
ID: I think it was down to a number of factors. Palace weren't very good in the start and improved, while Liverpool possibly just wanted to get ahead in that blistering first 35 minutes and then exhausted themselves in doing so.
A lot of those players had played some very intense games in the last four weeks which, on top of a busy December and some of them having overcome COVID, possibly caught up with them. They definitely looked tired in the second half, but the important thing is they won.
Don't forget, Liverpool have lost only two of 43 games now, so Klopp and his coaching staff must know what they are doing.
Stian L asks.... FSG are buying hockey clubs for big money but I feel that they are holding back money for Liverpool. Liverpool have bought almost everyone of their players for sales from other players. How come the owners don't use their own money?
ID: FSG have a long-term plan at Liverpool - improve infrastructure while improving the commercial arm and ensuring the team remains competitive at the top level - from which they are unlikely to deviate much.
However it does seem as though every few years they release extra funds for whoever the Liverpool manager is at the time. It's not a matter of them using their own money, it's a matter of ensuring the club can sustain itself. I wouldn't be surprised if we've reached that point again this summer.
NHunt asks... Liverpool can potentially make three finals this season. On a personal note, which one would you like Liverpool to be in and win?
ID: When push comes to shove, it has to be the Champions League, doesn't it? That is still the pinnacle of cup competitions. After that, the FA Cup. And then after that, the League Cup. But the League Cup is the first one - and we've seen plenty of times that winning is a habit. Win that first trophy of the season, and others can follow.
