Is it Right That Liverpool Stick with Jurgen Klopp Until Next Season?
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Jurgen Klopp oversaw a revolution at Liverpool, leading them to glory and winning the Champions League and the Premier League, the latter being Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years, sending fans and football betting participants wild.
Klopp and Liverpool were flying but, as with so many things in football, it wasn’t to last. This season has been far from successful, and many have begun to question whether or not Klopp has run his course and whether it’s time for a change. Should Liverpool stick with Klopp for next season? Let’s find out.
What Has Happened to Liverpool?
Liverpool finished in second place last year, just one point behind champions Manchester City after an incredibly tight race for the title. They did, however, manage to secure a cup double, and they were strong favourites for the title the following year.
Things certainly haven’t gone to plan, a cursory glance at the table tells us all we need to know. Liverpool currently sit eighth with 44 points, a whole 29 points away from first-placed Arsenal. Of 29 games played, Liverpool have won only 12, losing nine and drawing eight.
This is a remarkable downturn, so it’s no surprise to learn that there have been more than a few murmurings about Klopp’s future, and more and more fans are beginning to question whether or not he is really the man to take them forward.
Why Have Liverpool Been So Bad?
It’s difficult to point to one single reason behind Liverpool’s fall from grace, but injuries have certainly played a part. Midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Neby Keita have been sidelined with long-term injuries, leaving ageing players like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to plug the gaps.
However, the midfield can’t solely be blamed for Liverpool’s capitulation. They have suffered a number of unacceptable defeats this season, including losses to Wolves, Brighton, and Brentford.
Their 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United was the highpoint of the season, but was immediately followed by an insipid 1 – 0 loss to Bournemouth. To be fair to Bournemouth, if it was a street fight, Liverpool was the naive kid on the block.
It appears that it’s going to be a trophyless season for Liverpool. Manchester City knocked Liverpool out of the Carabao Cup, unceremoniously dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton, and were a far inferior side in the Champions League when they were smashed by Real Madrid. To rub more salt into the wounds of the Liverpool fans, their club is a million miles away from winning the Premier League title.
Who Could Replace Klopp?
For a club of Liverpool’s size and stature, a season like this is unacceptable in the eyes of the fans. For all the good Klopp has done for the club, it’s unsurprising that many feel it’s time for a change.
Who could replace him? There are lots of managers out there, but few who have the experience or gravitas to handle the pressures of managing a club like Liverpool. Names like Pep Lijnders, Julian Nagelsmann, and Mauricio Pochettino have all been touted, but there are no concrete links as of yet.
Conclusion
Should Liverpool stick with Klopp until next season in the hopes that he can turn things around? He’s certainly a capable manager, but even the best can grow stale, and football is an ever-evolving industry that demands new ideas and philosophies. Klopp will go down as a Liverpool legend, but his time could indeed be up.
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