Liverpool has experienced a decline this season compared to their historic campaign last year. Jurgen Klopp’s side has gone from competing on all four fronts to lacking competitiveness in pretty much all of them. The chances of silverware are long gone and a top-four finish is unlikely, however, perhaps a break from Europe’s leading competition could benefit the Reds.
Liverpool could be forced to invest aggressively
Liverpool will most likely finish outside of the top four positions this season. They may miss out on UEFA Champions League football but they could qualify for a lesser competition. The UEFA Europa League and the Europa Conference will be up for grabs as consolation prizes. However, Liverpool as a club belongs amongst the elite and will be desperate to get back there. Failing to qualify for the UCL could tempt Klopp into overhauling his squad.
Liverpool will likely require several quality midfield signings. Defensive depth is another worry – at right back Klopp lacks a senior backup option. Central defence is also a problem with all the current options possessing a history of injury issues. Failing to achieve a top-four finish could lead to Liverpool’s issues being seriously addressed this summer. In Premier League betting Zambia, Liverpool is currently offered at a price of 8/1 to finish in the top four as huge outsiders. Bwin offers leading odds on the Premier League this season. Liverpool has in the past neglected certain areas of the squad. However, the likely reality of missing out on UCL qualification would surely provoke a reaction from the Reds owners Fenway Sports Group.
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Liverpool has a number of glaring issues in the squad and miraculously reaching the top four positions would only paper over the cracks. Missing out on UCL football could trigger a reaction from Klopp to utilising recruitment to improve his squad. The German coach has, at times, chosen not to sign players as his ideal option was unavailable. However, there is no room for complacency this time around. The Reds need a rebuild and Klopp has stated his desire to remain in charge of the club through its transition. If funds are made available then Klopp must be proactive in the market.
"I've had my time but it's time to go. Liverpool was the biggest, greatest, most successful time of my life together with the manager, together with my colleagues. It was an unbelievable journey." – Roberto Firmino ♥️ pic.twitter.com/xozn1I4ydG
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) April 7, 2023
Freedom to rotate more often
Klopp does not tend to rotate his squad regularly. He prefers to play his strongest team in every game possible. For several seasons almost all of Liverpool’s competitive fixtures have had an eventual significant honour at stake. Simultaneously, Liverpool has always played strong opposition. No UCL game is ever straightforward, and the domestic competitions have offered little rest bite. The squad players have been restricted to rare cup cameos, but the stakes would be heavily reduced if Liverpool were in a lesser-quality competition than the prestigious UCL. New signings and fringe players could be given opportunities against weaker opposition.
📊 Kostas Tsimikas assists a goal every 220 minutes for Liverpool in the Premier League, the second-best rate of any player with five or more assists in the competition for the club, after Alberto Aquilani [every 136 minutes]. pic.twitter.com/I9utWc5DeH
— David McGrady (@Djmc76) March 2, 2023
Ultimately, Liverpool’s potential fall into a lesser European competition could be of benefit to them. It could trigger new arrivals at the club. The club is in need of an injection of quality and short-term failures may trigger investment. Failing to secure UCL would be disappointing, but it could be just what Liverpool needs long-term.
