Tag Archives: Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool secured their first major signing of the summer yesterday with the acquisition of Mohamed Salah from Roma, arriving for a deal reportedly worth around £34m.

The former Chelsea man has excelled following his move to the Serie A, after struggling to make an impact with the Blues at Stamford Bridge, and adds class to Liverpool’s wide options next season- which is crucial ahead of the Reds’ return to the Champions League.

Boasting an impressive 15 goals and 11 assists in 31 Serie A appearances last season, figures that are both more than any Liverpool players managed last season, Salah is a sensational coup for Jurgen Klopp’s side that could lead the Reds towards glory.

Anfield is sure to be rocking upon the club’s return to Champions League action and Salah could help the Reds enjoy a season to remember, as he slots into the club’s line-up next season comfortably- and he’s unlikely to be the final recruit for the Reds this summer.

Here, we’ve taken a look at how Liverpool could line-up next season with Salah in their ranks- and we’ve included some new faces who could follow the Egyptian ace to Anfield.

GK: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s capture of Loris Karius from Mainz last summer was supposed to bring the end of Simon Mignolet between the sticks for the Reds but the German’s inability to settle into the rigours of the Premier League meant Jurgen Klopp opted to hand Mignolet his spot again.

The Belgian stopper impressed last season with some fine performances but still seems a way off being the sort of goalkeeper that can lead Liverpool to success, which means he’ll remain under pressure next season- particularly in the Champions League.

Liverpool have once again endured a transitional season, with Jurgen Klopp’s men challenging for a spot in the Champions League but falling quite a way short of pushing for the Premier League title.

The Reds have certainly made a meal out of their European qualification too and have left themselves with a lot to do in the final weeks of the season, as top-four rivals Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal could take advantage of their games in hand.

It’s clear new faces are needed at Anfield this summer and a wealth of top-names have been linked with a move to Merseyside, although fans need to be aware that their finances mean that the club run the risk of losing out to their rivals in the chase for big deals.

Liverpool can probably afford to go all-out to get one or two big names this summer though, especially with added funds from the likely sales of Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge, and this potential XI next season could certainly challenge for honours.

GK: Antonio Adan

Liverpool’s goalkeeping ranks have come under intense criticism this season and Jurgen Klopp is likely to move to solve that this summer, with 29-year-old Spaniard Antonio Adan eyed as the ideal recruit- and his arrival could spark the end for Simon Mignolet.

Last summer’s signing Loris Karius has struggled in his debut season in the Premier League but, aged just 23, there’s plenty of time for him to develop and moving for an experienced keeper like Antonio Adan would be a wise move.

Currently with La Liga minnows Real Betis, Adan’s services shouldn’t be too difficult to capture.

Liverpool are on-course to secure a return to the Champions League but there’s still work for Jurgen Klopp’s side to do. Victory against West Brom this weekend is vital and this side should be able to secure all three points.

GK: Simon Mignolet

The signing of Loris Karius from Mainz last summer left Simon Mignolet in a sticky situation at Liverpool but the poor performances from the German stopper have allowed Mignolet to push his way back between the sticks at Anfield.

29-year-old Belgian stopper Mignolet is set to make his 23rd Premier League appearance of the season at the Hawthorns and will be desperate for a strong performance, as his current run of seven Premier League games without a clean-sheet is a big worry.

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon (13:30pm kick-off UK time) and you can get a NowTV day pass and watch the game for just £6.29 with our fantastic 10% off a day pass offer.

Liverpool face a stern test against West Brom this weekend but will seek a victory to boost their top-four chances. To achieve that though, they’ll have to get a positive outcome in these three key battles.

Chadli v Clyne

Liverpool’s defence has been unable to keep a clean sheet in any of the last seven Premier League matches and West Brom may look to exploit the right-side of the Reds defence, particularly as Nathaniel Clyne likes to bomb forward.

Up against him on Sunday will be Belgian winger Nacer Chadli, who has been a huge part of Tony Pulis’ side’s success this season. The 27-year-old boasts five goals and five assists, although his last contribution to a goal came in the victory over Arsenal in mid-March.

Clyne’s license to push forward may leave Liverpool exposed on the counter, which is where Chadli’s involvement could come into play.

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon (13:30pm kick-off UK time) and you can get a NowTV day pass and watch the game for just £6.29 with our fantastic 10% off a day pass offer.

Liverpool need a major overhaul this summer if they’re to succeed under Jurgen Klopp and the German boss can expect to axe several members of his side. Here, we’ve identified five of his team that need to go.

Alberto Moreno

The Spanish full-back has been cast out of the Liverpool squad this season, with his poor performances seeing James Milner handed a fresh chance at left-back and enjoy a new lease of life in the Reds defence.

Moreno’s position in the squad is now intangible as he remains behind Milner in the pecking order, whilst likely arrivals this summer will push him further down the list in the eyes of Jurgen Klopp- so a sale is definitely the right move.

At 24, Moreno has age on his side and he’ll look to get back on track with his career elsewhere, with a return to Spain a possibility.

Liverpool enjoyed a good weekend last time out, as the Reds beat Everton in the Merseyside derby and saw Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all drop points.

The Reds therefore maintained third spot in the Premier League standings and have their hopes of Champions League football in their own hands, as they can keep in the top-four even if their rivals win their games in hand.

Having secured four points from clashes against Manchester City and Everton, Jurgen Klopp’s side are now preparing for a favourable run-in to the season but they’ll need to improve, having struggled against lower-end opposition this season.

On Wednesday, Liverpool host a Bournemouth side who defeated them on the South Coast earlier this season and the Reds will be keen on revenge. With Manchester United and Manchester City both facing stern tests this midweek, it’s an opportunity for Liverpool to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place.

Here, we’ve selected the Liverpool XI that Klopp should select to overcome the threat of the Cherries.

GK: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s goalkeeping ranks are the weakest section of their squad but Simon Mignolet has managed to retain his spot as number one despite the summer signing of Loris Karius. Whilst the situation may change in the summer, Mignolet should definitely start against Bournemouth.

The Belgian has started 20 games for Liverpool in the Premier League this season and needs to show the best of his ability if the Reds are to retain their spot amongst the top-four. That means cutting out the mishaps that have plagued him during his time in Anfield but he has the capability to do that.

Liverpool face a huge game on Saturday as they tackle Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield, with the Reds looking to consolidate their position of fourth-spot in the Premier League. Here, we’ve selected the side that Liverpool should select to win the game.

The derby is being shown live on Sky Sports with the game kicking off at 12:30pm on Saturday. You can pick up a NowTV day pass and watch the game for just £6.29 with the 10% off a day pass offer. Alternatively, weekly passes are available for £10.99. You can redeem the fantastic day pass offer by clicking here.

GK: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s goalkeeping options are quite weak, with both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius struggling to impress this season, but it’s the former who should get the nod for this crucial Merseyside derby as the Belgian has looked slightly better.

The Reds need to make a choice on their number one for the remainder of the season and stick with it, with that man likely to be Mignolet. Come the summer, changes in this area are likely but Jurgen Klopp has to work with what he’s got for now.

Liverpool currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League but still have work to do to secure Champions League football next season. If they’re to ensure Manchester United and Arsenal don’t overtake them, they’ll need to do these five things.

Stop dropping points to lower teams

Liverpool tend to perform well in big matches against sides in the top-end of the Premier League but the same cannot be said for their displays against lower-tier sides; with the Reds suffering defeats against the likes of Bournemouth, Burnley, Swansea and others.

What’s most concerning for Jurgen Klopp’s men is that all their games after this weekend’s Merseyside derby are clashes were the Reds will be dubbed as favourites- and that’s where they’ve come unstuck numerous times this season.

If they’re to keep their position in the top-four, that needs to change.

It was a dismal Liverpool performance against Leicester City, and some fans have had enough of one of Jurgen Klopp’s decisions.

Liverpool have needed a left back for some time but after moves for the likes of Jonas Hector broke down, James Milner has been shoehorned into the left back position. It worked for a while, but after another poor performance against Leicester City, it seems teams are targeting his lack of pace and it is leaving Jurgen Klopp’s side heavily exposed at the back.

The only natural left back in the Liverpool squad currently is Alberto Moreno, and he is very poor at defending, so much so that Milner replaced him in the first place. It speaks volumes that Milner has kept his place at left back after a series of underwhelming performances.

But Milner’s performance against Leicester was particularly poor. He could’ve done more to prevent two of the three goals scored by the home side - and he was ineffective offensively as well. Many Liverpool fans would like to see Milner moved into midfield. He is a good central midfielder and players like Emre Can are struggling to perform in that position. A central position plays to Milner’s strengths, on the face of it he is no way suited to a full back role. The only benefit of him being there is his stamina, which allows for him to get up and down the pitch - surely this would be better utilised in central midfield though?

Here’s some reaction to Milner’s performance against Leicester City on Monday night.

If a manager thinks that loaning Sakho to play Lucas as CB, Hendo as DM & Milner as LB is the way forward, then questioning is 100% merited.

— Simeon (@SJftbl) February 27, 2017

Carragher: "Sometimes as a #LFC fan when things go well you kid yourself at things. Milner isn't a left back, Lucas isn't a centre back."

— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) February 28, 2017

If a picture could sum a game up.. Milner (looking lost) Can (tried) Lucas (Can't be arsed) #LCFC pic.twitter.com/MbdNWr7I2R

— Matt Riddington (@MJRiddo) February 28, 2017

He needs to spend some money on bodies & fast. Lucas CB, Milner LB, AL & GW at CM. RF #9. that's half the team 'doing a job' out of position

— James (@arghappy) February 28, 2017

@Jay82_LFC
Whose decision was it to play Lucas at CB and Milner at LB ?
Shocking decisions by Klopp to be honest.

— Pranav.S.Salunkhe (@Pranav96S) February 28, 2017

It's almost like Milner's not a LB, and Moreno isn't a terrible footballer

— yung griff (@__griffin_) February 27, 2017

To play Old man Lucas and Old man Milner out of position in a back four is only one man's fault. The name:- KLOPP. #LFCfamily #LFC

— mickey1more (@mickey1more) February 28, 2017

Firmino needs to be dropped. Origi deserves a run in team now. Milner into midfield and moreno to LB

— John Paul Walsh (@jpwred316) February 27, 2017

If I'm Jurgen Klopp, I'd move Milner back to CM and bring Moreno back to LB. He was crucial their last season when hendo was out #lfc

— Rob (@DivockTheCasbah) February 28, 2017

I think Milner still has a part to play in the Liverpool squad, he’s decent cover at left back and also a senior presence that adds a calmness to the midfield when he plays there.

Liverpool certainly need to sign a new left back, but for now they need to find an internal solution. Milner is definitely not the best internal solution, at least not for certain games. Klopp must find the solution.

Against Arsenal it will be intriguing to see how Liverpool line up. Arsene Wenger isn’t one for lining his team up to exploit the weaknesses of others, but surely looking at Milner in recent weeks, Wenger would try and target that. Theo Walcott is the obvious pacey candidate to cause him problems and if Theo starts, surely Klopp will favour the quick Moreno. Putting Milner up against Walcott could have catastrophic consequences.

There was an awkward moment during Liverpool’s summer tour of the United States last year in which club boss, Jürgen Klopp, reciprocated Mamadou Sakho’s teasing, on-camera antics by outing the Frenchman’s poor time-keeping.

It didn’t take long for us all to realise the incident extended beyond the point of a joke between the two Liverpool fan favourites, with Sakho yet to appear for the first team this season and being reduced to Under-23s football since the start of the new campaign.

With the situation surviving the summer transfer window, it seems the Frenchman’s name will now be the most prominent cast member of deadline day in the red half of Merseyside, as the likes of Crystal Palace, Southampton and Galatasaray all reportedly make approaches before the closure of the window.

According to Sky Sports News, Liverpool have asked for a fee of £20 million for their want-away centre back, £4 million north of the fee that saw him arrive from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2013, whereas the defender’s towering £105,000-a-week wages may prove to be a further stumbling block for potential suitors.

But as Sam Allardyce, among others, trawl the back of their sofas for spare change, are the Reds making the correct decision in finally shifting the 26-year-old?

Liverpool’s depth has come into question since the turn of the year, as 2017 welcomed just one win in seven outings for the Premier League title hopefuls.

Within those games, Klopp’s men have shipped in a total of 10 goals, including the combined figure of five conceded at home to lowly-placed Swansea City and Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers, as concerns over their defence threaten the outcome of this season.

Joël Matip’s absence over eligibility issues and a malleolar injury has been alarming, as the 25-year-old was replaced by another Bundesliga import, Ragnar Klavan, who’s blown hot and cold (very cold) throughout this season.

Could Sakho have steadied the ship?

In comparison with Matip, widely regarded as Klopp’s main man in the defensive sector, Sakho actually challenges the Cameroonian quite closely.

The France international leads the way in tackles won (0.91 per game vs. 0.85), as well the percentage of aerial duels won (61.74% vs 57.14%).

The range of interceptions made per game are almost identical, but the amount of tackles lost by Sakho (0.95 per game) and the leading figure of 0.14 defensive errors made in the same time indicate, as many have often suspected, that the ex-PSG captain doesn’t exactly cut a calming figure when called for duty.

Beyond basic statistics, the argument that Sakho is the inferior defender wouldn’t sound alien to many, whereas the outcome of a match-up between himself and Lovren is a little more debatable. What’s certain is that the six clean sheets amassed by a Matip - Lovren combo has presented itself in good light.

Beyond the duo relied upon by Klopp, Sakho certainly has room to contest it, with Klavan appearing to be the weak link and the injury-ravaged Joe Gomez still returning to full fitness.

The Frenchman is good, but not irreplaceable, however, and meanwhile it would’ve been ideal to have had the 26-year-old shadow those predicted to be ahead of him in the pecking order, the defender’s prolonged isolation is one Liverpool could do without.

In hindsight, the great error is not that Sakho remains an outcast during a moment of instability, but rather that his position hasn’t already been dealt with and rectified with a replacement, be it earlier in the current window or back in the summer.

It’s about putting the story to bed, now, and at anything close to the reported £20 million fee, an overdue Sakho sale should be welcomed without regret.

Given the geopolitical spectrum, 2017 promises to be a difficult year for us all to stomach, even by 2016’s standards, but Liverpool fans will be the ones gazing at the skies questioning why they are among the first to be feeling the burn.

Jürgen Klopp’s men enchanted the Premier League world with the German’s infamous ‘Gegenpressing’, imported from his days at Borussia Dortmund, as big results over the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City saw the Merseyside club propel themselves into the hat of potential league winners this season.

Among the charge at the upper echelons of the league table, Liverpool were also fighting for multiple domestic honours too, but that scenario has now changed drastically.

Welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers to Anfield for a fourth round tie of the FA Cup this Saturday, the visitors were on hand to stun the hosts with goals by Richard Stearman and Andi Weimann, whereas a late Divock Origi goal wasn’t enough to see Liverpool into a draw and subsequent cup replay.

The defeat not only concluded the Reds’ elimination from the FA Cup, but also sees them fall out of a consecutive cup competition, after Southampton’s 2-0 win on aggregate in the EFL Cup in midweek.

Liverpool’s 2017 woes go on, having lost once more versus Swansea City in the league, drawing a further three games and winning just once in seven matches since the turn of the year. That game was a 1-0 victory away to Plymouth Argyle in an FA Cup replay. Glamourous.

As a consequence, social media was awash with criticism for the Scouse outfit’s boss, Klopp, ranging from rival fans to former subscribers of the German’s managerial capabilities, whereas others stayed true to their man.

Jurgen Klopp has found a way to not lose any finals this season. pic.twitter.com/t9SMDnrCK4

— Paul (@Kolology) January 28, 2017

Wolves made seven changes coming into this game and still easily beat Liverpool 2-1. That's Klopp's third loss at Anfield in a row. Oh dear.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 28, 2017

Moyes' win rate at #MUFC: 52.9%
Klopp's win rate at #LFC: 48% pic.twitter.com/5I5G8UfmHh

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) January 28, 2017

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool record in 2017: Played 8 Won 1 (Plymouth at 2nd attempt) Drawn 3 Lost 4.
Tough playing more than once a week. #LFC

— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) January 28, 2017

If you're Klopp Out, get in touch and let us know why!*

*so we can block you.

— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) January 28, 2017

Other more popular figures within Britain’s footballing hub maligned Klopp’s squad selection for the clash versus Wolves, which saw the 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga champion make a total of nine changes to the team that faced Southampton in midweek.

Klopp learning fast that unlike in Germany, strength exists throughout our leagues & the kids just can't cut it…

— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) January 28, 2017

Don't get Klopp playing his reserves with no European football. Shows a lack of knowledge of the depth in English football and respect.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 28, 2017

Despite bearing the blame for chopping and changing too much on this occasion, Klopp has felt the force of complaints coming in the opposite direction in recent days, claiming he overworks his first team too much.

The frenetic, self-proclaimed “Heavy Metal football” has been pinned against the German’s management, suggesting he’s both one-dimensional and culpable for the physical mismanagement of his players’ fitness, meanwhile the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Mamadou Sakho aren’t placed into the same equation anywhere near as much as they should be by Klopp.

With first-placed Chelsea waiting in the wings for Tuesday’s main card in the Premier League, calling on rotation made sense, but Klopp has, nonetheless, claimed full responsibility for Saturday’s additional slip-up in Liverpool’s season.

“We put in a very bad performance, we started badly and could not improve,” Klopp told BT Sport following the 2-1 defeat at home to Wolves.

“We tried, but were not good enough in the first half. The second half was better, but not enough. I am responsible, not the young players. You learn a lot about players in games like this, but I am responsible.”

Onto Tuesday night…

Liverpool are flying at the moment, but Jurgen Klopp needs to make sure the team keeps up this momentum to give them any chance of being in the title mix come May. Here’s three things he needs to do to keep them competitive.

1 - Keep things fresh

Hard working style can lead to injuries and Liverpool cannot afford another mid-season collapse fuelled by injuries to key players. There’s a good squad at the club and Klopp needs to rotate tactically to ensure that he takes good care of the squad for the entire season. Although the lack of European football will help this aspect massively, there could still be problems over the winter if the squad is not managed properly. Hard working forwards like Firmino and Mane are doing the job excellently, but their bodies may not be prepared to perform like that twice a week for the entire season. With that style of play working so well, it’s important Klopp keeps that, but interchanges the players within the system.

Jurgen Klopp appeared as a pundit on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football where Watford visited Turf Moor to play Burnley. Whilst making his appearance on Sky alongside David Jones and Jamie Carragher, he spoke very highly of a Manchester City player, dubbing him his favourite non-Liverpool Premier League player.

Speaking on Sky’s show, the Liverpool boss revealed that his favourite non-Liverpool player was David Silva from Manchester City, and the German had some kind words for the Spaniard.

I like David Silva. I like his style of play. He is a wonderful player, he’s everywhere, he’s so skilled and he has a wonderful attitude. Even though I don’t hear his name too often after the wonderful start by Man City and I’m pretty sure he has his role and I like his style of play.

The tricky attacking midfielder is a huge threat to any team when he is in-form, but has yet to get off the mark this season having made five Premier League appearances under new manager Pep Guardiola, but has scored in the Champions League this campaign.

The 30-year-old is know for his tremendous technical ability, but what if the left-footed winger were to be installed into Jurgen Klopp’s side.

From performances this season as well as last season, Liverpool love to play teams away from home, and have made a name for themselves under Jurgen Klopp catching teams on the break, playing an extremely exciting style of play away from home, full of pace and attacking flair.

The pretty football is followed by favourable results, most recently the 2-1 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and on the first week of the season the 4-3 win away at Arsenal. However, last season, inconsistent results have let the Reds down, and they have done this season to a certain extent, the 2-0 loss at Burnley being the result that sticks out like a sore thumb.

For me, David Silva would fit perfectly into a Jurgen Klopp side. The way that Liverpool catch teams on the break would fit Silva’s style of play perfectly. The Spaniard can show the pace required to catch teams on the counter-attack, and would far from look out of place in a Jurgen Klopp starting eleven.

Not only can he show the pace needed to fit the bill in a Klopp squad, Silva also has the technical ability to break open a tight defence at Anfield, where teams have been known to come and ‘park the bus’.

So how does Silva compare to Liverpool’s key man, Philipe Coutinho? Silva provided 11 assists in the Premier League last season, compared to Coutinho, who made just five goals. The Spaniard also made eleven more key passes than Coutinho last season, Silva making a total of 55 over the course of 24 games, Coutinho completed 44 key passes in 26 games. The Manchester City man also created seventeen more chances than the Liverpool midfielder, creating a total of 66 chances.

Although Coutinho scored six more goals than Silva last season, who would you rather have in the squad?

Now the transfer window has closed and both Everton and Liverpool have had the chance to undergo a full transfer window with new managers, it seems an appropriate time to analyse who is in the best position to finish higher this season.

Three games have already been played, And Everton find themselves three points ahead of the Merseyside rivals. But Liverpool have already played two big teams in Arsenal and Tottenham, both away trips where they impressively picked up four points. Playing against the big teams has never been a problem under Klopp though, whose tactics seem to thrive against the better sides. It was the two nil loss to Burnley that will really worry the fans as it seems that the same mistakes are being made this season. The manager and the players seem to be underestimating lowly opposition. To finish in the Champions League positions, which is ultimately where Liverpool should be finishing the season, they need to be able to focus every weekend, no matter who the opposition is. It’ll come down to whether or not Liverpool can be consistent because if they can be, then there’s no reason they cannot be up there with the very best sides – but that loss against Burnley needs to be a wake-up call.

Under Koeman Everton have started well, seven points from three games, unbeaten and playing better football with the Dutchman in charge. But ultimately they’ve had an easier start than Liverpool, and just three games in it would be silly to draw any conclusions. I think Koeman will have to do really work to get the best out of Romelu Lukaku if Everton play to their potential – that may be his biggest task as manager. Lukaku had been linked with a £60million move away this summer, but he has not been playing like a £60million striker in all honesty, it will be interesting to see if Koeman can turn him into one

Everton made a few shrewd additions like Ashley Williams, but also a few questionable ones. The £25million paid for Yannick Bolasie certainly raises question marks. Before we can judge that the signing too harshly though, we must give him the opportunity to see what he can do at a bigger club. There was similar criticism when Liverpool spent £30 million on Sadio Mane earlier in the summer – but his fast start under Klopp has silenced the doubters and it would only be right to give Bolasie equal opportunity to do so. In all honesty I think both clubs struggled in the market this summer, and both managers will have wanted to bring in a better calibre of player. Klopp’s failed pursuit of former midfielder Mario Gotze certainly hurt him, as the German was perhaps the most talented player that could realistically join the club this summer. I find it amazing that Liverpool actually made a profit in the transfer window this summer. This was Klopp’s chance to bring in players that really suited historically and maximise the potential club. But it’s clear that the German is not the biggest fan of the transfer window, He prefers to mould the players at his disposal into the style he wishes to play with. In a modern football environments dominated by money, Klopp’s attitude is admirable but ultimately I think Liverpool will struggle to compete with the best because of Klopp’s reluctance to invest (see what I did there).

Honestly I think both teams will struggle to fulfil their ambition of breaking into the top four this season. The faultless starts from Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United show that the Premier League is likely to be completely different this time around. If either side were to break into the top four, last season was a brilliant opportunity. Now, as an Arsenal fan and looking up already at those three clubs I find it hard to see either Liverpool or Everton seriously challenging this season. Both clubs are still in the early stages with their new managers and I don’t feel either has made a significant enough addition to the squad this summer to compete with other clubs. I can however see both Everton and Liverpool being in the chasing pack and ultimately finishing fifth and sixth. I think Arsenal will be just ahead and the likes of Leicester and West Ham who will be further behind. Whose fifth and whose sixth? It’s going to be close, perhaps the closest battle yet between the two arch rivals - but for me Liverpool just have that extra bit quality in the squad to edge Everton again. Players like Daniel Sturridge have the potential to be world class and Klopp needs to ensure he doesn’t simply cast the Englishman aside, otherwise he should have sold him and re-invested in a more suited player of a similar calibre. I do feel that Klopp has a better understanding of his squad having been in charge for longer than his Everton counterpart and that could prove the difference this season.

Liverpool and Everton fans and, I’d love to hear your. honest opinions about where you feel you will finish this season. Please leave your comments below

To expect the unexpected from Liverpool is usually the mantra tied to the Merseyside club, with the start of the new Premier League season proving to be no different. A four-goal-blitz saw the Reds dismantle Arsenal 4-3 at the Emirates Stadium in week one, but all good work was soon reversed after Burnley stunned Jürgen Klopp’s men with a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor last Saturday.

Klopp insists he won’t react to the results with panic-buys in the final days of the transfer window, stating he’d be “a real idiot” to go out shopping in such manner in response to the defeat versus the Clarets. Liverpool fans will be right to point towards more than just one bad performance, however. Here are three deals that the Reds should look to conclude in coming days.

1 – A new left back

The need for a new left back at Anfield couldn’t be clearer – even Klopp mentioned it during his latest flash interview. Alberto Moreno promised plenty when he joined from La Liga club Sevilla for £15.3 million, as Liverpool fought off the likes of Real Madrid to land his signature in 2014. The Spaniard has been effective, for the most part, going forward in a Liverpool shirt, but it’s his core function as a defender – to defend – that he’s struggled to cope with.

Far too often, the Spaniard has been culpable for Liverpool’s defence being stretched on the break, as Mamadou Sakho looks to cover the gaps left by the full back. The communication between the two Reds defenders has also proved to be an issue on occasions, standing as the most visible bane to Klopp’s backline from open play. On top of Moreno’s positional sense, the thought that goes into his defensive efforts have also looked questionable, with the penalties given away most recently to Arsenal, as well as last season versus Norwich City at Carrow Road, exemplifying his mind-boggling recklessness.

A club like Liverpool, that places great impetus on attacking play under Klopp, needs greater defensive assurances, with left back being the most logical place to start. The Reds have been linked to PSV Eindhoven’s attacking full back, Jetro Willems, in the past, whereas Achraf Lazaar from Palermo, one of the few standout performers for the Italian side that narrowly escaped relegation, would all potentially be sound additions.

Jurgen Klopp cannot wait to get his hands dirty in the transfer market and make his mark well and truly on this mediocre Liverpool squad. Here are three players the media suggest Klopp is very close to signing..

1) Mario Gotze

Perhaps this signing would truly illustrate the pulling power of Klopp. Before the German arrived, it would have seem far too unrealistic to expect a player of Gotze’s ability to join the club, but with Klopp’s connection, a reunion now looks probable. Gotze cannot play regularly in Munich and has just one year remaining on his current contract. With no plans to extend it, Liverpool appear to be in the driving seat to complete a cut-price deal for the German international. Gotze has struggled to develop in Munich due to injuries and a lack of first team oppurtunities. If Klopp can help him recapture form from the 2013/14 campign and before, then Liverpool have a world-class talent on their hands. Gotze averaged over 8 take ons per game that season, making 2.56 key passes and scoring 0.85 goals per 90 minutes. There’s no doubt that Gotze thrived in an environment where he was one of the leading players (at Dortmund) and if he were to join Liverpool, he would find himself in a similar situation.

Liverpool appear to be frontrunners in the race to sign Mario Gotze, who looks almost certain to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Since his goal in the World Cup final, Gotze’s career has stagnated. Once thought of as the next big player to come out of the Bundesliga, Gotze has spent much of this season on the bench for Pep Guardiola’s table-toppers and he’s unlikely to stay at the club much longer and watch his career stand still.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with the German for some time, but it is Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who appear to be in the best position thanks to the players relationship with Klopp.

The 23-year-old played the best football of his career under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund and there’s no doubt that the Liverpool manager will be desperate to bring him to the club as part of his summer restructuring at Anfield.

Analysis Focus

On the face of it Gotze would provide a marked improvement on the likes of Adam Lallana, but what do the stats look like? We take a look.

I decided to look at four areas to compare Gotze with Lallana and also Firmino - Liverpool’s standout performer in 2016. Due to Gotze’s severe lack of game time this season, I have used his stats from the 2014/15 campaign. Lallana is quite clearly behind both players, coming 3rd in three of the statistics and 2^nd in the other two. Gotze’s take on rate catches the eye, managing over 3 on average each game. His assist rate is pretty low but his goal-scoring rate is not far behind Firmino and a lot better than Lallana’s. One of Lallana strengths is his passing (81% completed), but Gotze even manages to edge ahead of him in this department (86%).

You might not need to see stats to realise that Gotze would improve this Liverpool side, but they do help highlight the extent to which he would be an improvement on the likes of Lallana. It should also be noted that Gotze didn’t play his best football last season and his best statistics came under the management of Klopp.

For a fee of around £30million, considering his age and potential, Liverpool would be crazy not to go all out to try and finalise this deal. In Klopp they have a distinct advantage over the other interested English clubs and they must utilise that advantage.

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