After Liverpool’s devastating 4-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad, questions have been asked of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. It’s no surprise that Liverpool have been off this season and the loss on Saturday has made a huge hole in their bid for the top four this season.
We have recently seen a wave of manager sackings this week with Graham Potter and Antonio Conte having been relieved of their duties. The Reds’ manager even questioned his form this season when he said, “I am aware I am sitting here because of the past, not what we did this season.”
Klopp admitted that his own levels have dropped this season, however, also said that he is not afraid of the sack. Liverpool have only won three away games all season and the best result coming from when they beat top four competitors Newcastle, 2-0 at St James Park.
Many fans have questioned whether Jurgen Klopp is the right man to take the club forward after another poor performance against Chelsea Tuesday evening, with the Reds coming away with a point in a 0-0 stalemate at Stamford Bridge.
Injuries have certainly not helped the Reds, but with Luis Diaz and Thiago set to make a return it is certainly crunch time for Jurgen and his men. It is also clear that the club needs an overhaul in the summer.
Liverpool only have a 42% win rate thus far and this must drastically improve if they’re to have any hope of Champions League football next season. The Champions League is vital for a club like Liverpool, especially as the owners aren’t as financially blessed as the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
If Liverpool are to have the summer transfer window they need, Champions League qualification would certainly help, but with the likes of Spurs, Brighton, and Newcastle all above them, it is looking increasingly unlikely.
Jurgen Klopp has brought an unfathomable amount of success to the club, but his tactics this season have been all over the place and the players look burnt out. The Reds have struggled to gel, as new faces such as Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez joined the club this season.
Senior players have been disappointing too, Fabinho’s drop-off is far too concerning, with the midfielder looking like a shadow of his former self. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been at the brunt of criticism this year, with poor defending and only getting two assists all season.
Virgil Van Dijk does not look the same post-injury and is not the Rolls Royce of a defender he once was. Attackers are not afraid of the centre-back anymore, and the Dutchman’s frailties were highlighted when former Brighton forward Leandro Trossard scored a hattrick at Anfield this season.
There are some positive signs for Jurgen Klopp though, as Mohammed Salah has yet again racked up 20+ goals this season. The Egyptian winger has been brilliant again, despite the loss of his winger duo: Sadio Mane.
All the plaudits for this season should go to Alisson Becker. The Brazilian has been immense this season, consistently getting the Reds out of trouble. He has already prevented 10.60 goals, almost doubling second-placed Kepa with 5.50 goals prevented.
Liverpool’s season could have been even worse without Alisson and it’s clear to see why he is rated as one of the best in the business. It could even be argued that without the Brazilian shot-stopper, Jurgen Klopp could have been sacked.
Should Jurgen Klopp be sacked?
- Yes
- No
- Not sure
There are certainly questions to be asked of the German manager, but you cannot dispute the miracles he has achieved at the club. With the right backing, and recruitment in the summer, the Reds could be back to chasing the quadruple as they were, just a season ago.