The Reds’ boss has some tough decisions ahead once the Europa League gets underway again
Louis Van Gaal may not be pleasing everyone over at Manchester United, but they’ll be delighted with his record against their fiercest rivals.
Their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend was the Dutchman’s fourth win in as many matches against the Reds, and this victory was probably the least deserved. However, when offered their opportunity they took it, scoring four goals against Liverpool this season with just four shots on target.
Liverpool paid the price for wayward finishing and a lack of end product, which, when allied to catastrophic set-piece defending, sums up not only their season so far but Liverpool as a whole since missing out on the title in 2014.
Roberto Firmino was okay but struggled to play effectively two positions as a No.9 and 10, while Adam Lallana and James Milner were anonymous and lack pace, inspiring little fear in the opposition (although things were much changed against Norwich today!).
Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva formed a compact midfield but with precious little goal threat, and whilst Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure were Liverpool’s best performers on the day, in the end it was once again a set-piece that proved to be Liverpool’s undoing.
Jordon Ibe has to learn quickly not to switch off at short corners, and I still have no idea what Simon Mignolet was doing in response to Marouane Fellaini’s header, allowing Wayne Rooney of all people to smash the ball into an open net.
Last week I called on Liverpool to produce an Anfield performance to remember against Arsenal and Manchester United. To some extent that was achieved in the dramatic 3-3 draw against the Gunners last Wednesday, but then any positivity gained was shattered with the United result.
Again Liverpool weren’t awful on Sunday, they just couldn’t produce the goods when they were on top, and it cost them dear.
Losing at the weekend has re-ignited intense concerns over many areas of the Liverpool squad. A new striker seems paramount, as manager Jurgen Klopp seems to have little faith in Christian Benteke, regardless of what the German says to the media.
Danny Ings and Divock Origi are both injured, and then there’s Daniel Sturridge. Everyone is desperate for him to remain fit for a prolonged period of time so he can return to his best in a Liverpool shirt.
Does Europe represent Liverpool’s best hope for reaching the Champions League?
His quality is undeniable, but unfortunately it only arrives in minute fits and spurts. Consequently, speculation over his future has arisen, with West Ham reportedly prepared to take a risk on his fitness and wages.
Long-term, Liverpool cannot support five first-team strikers, so someone will have to go, either this January or in the summer (depending on availability of targets).
In reality, it will either be Benteke or Sturridge that will be sacrificed for financial purposes, and both have compelling reasons for a stay of execution or a departure.
Benteke has struggled to fit in at Anfield, and doesn’t really suit the team’s style of play, making it baffling why Brendan Rodgers decided, in what would be his final days, to demand the Belgian’s signature, having begun his Liverpool reign by offloading Andy Carroll.
Nevertheless, the 25 year old does offer a different option through his height and strength, he is still only in his first season at the club after moving for a heavy fee of £32.5m from Aston Villa (which is not his fault but may place added pressure on his shoulders) and with seven goals he is Liverpool’s top scorer.
His return rate has hardly been dire, it’s just his performances that have been lacking so far this season, but he has arguably been a scapegoat at times for Liverpool’s results and poor displays, and many others should take responsibility for their lack of contribution this season.
Regarding Sturridge, the positive is obvious – when fit and on form he is a world-class striker, and probably Liverpool’s only player of such elite calibre. Only Sergio Aguero at his best is a better forward in the Premier League.
However, there’s no point having a top player if he cannot get onto the pitch, and if this continues his resale value will continue to decrease. Klopp and Liverpool will have to make a judgement – can they get by with three strikers and then Sturridge also as a luxury option when available? Or is that not enough?
Klopp’s answer will decide Sturridge’s fate at Liverpool.
Along with most Liverpool fans, my reaction to Mignolet’s five year deal was, to put it mildly, with severe scepticism.
The 27 year old has done nothing to deserve such a contract, but if it keeps him confident and improves his game for the rest of the season, then it will have been a masterstroke by Klopp.
Yet Mignolet’s entire Liverpool career has been periods of good and bad form, and the Reds need a more consistent, top-class keeper if they wish to become an elite contender once again.
Sadly, that will not happen in the league this season. Liverpool are now eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, and qualification for the Champions League looks unlikely.
Klopp managed to coax enough points out of his Liverpool team to ensure progression in 2015
Nonetheless, the Reds do have another avenue open to them through the Europa League. Winning the competition secures a place in the Champions League next season, which would be extremely helpful for Klopp to attract the players he wants and needs to take Liverpool to the next level.
Cup competitions now represent Liverpool’s best chance of success this season as, barring a miraculous run in the league, there are too many teams to leapfrog and too many points to make up in the table to reach the top four.
Already in the semi-finals of the League Cup, the Reds are in a strong position to reach another Wembley final, having won the first leg 1-0 away to Stoke City. However, whether Liverpool can win that competition or not, the Europa League has to be the priority now over all other competitions.
Liverpool’s strongest team needs to play in Europe as the tournament is more competitive than ever before, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Tottenham, Sevilla and FC Porto and many more top teams all alive and kicking in the last 32.
It may be nine more games to the trophy, but given how many points Liverpool would need from 16 league games to reach the Champions League, the Europa League represents a far easier path to Europe’s top table.
Klopp needs to get his inconsistent squad together as best he can, with perhaps a January addition and some luck with injuries, as there remains plenty to play for this season – even if that doesn’t include the league.
