For me, we are a pivotal moment in the future of Liverpool.
Let’s move forward six months. Liverpool fail to qualify for Champions League. Something that is very possible considering the competition for places each season. Cue exits of our prized assets – Mo Salah, unsurprisingly a target for many top clubs, with Madrid the one gaining the most traction.
Roberto Firmino looks increasingly like the next ‘Suarez story’. You wouldn’t put it past Barcelona to come knocking in their succession planning for Suarez, or any other top European club for that matter. Mane, though he’s not been himself this season, you wouldn’t put it past him wanting Champions League football, so they could all leave.
Then that leaves the recruitment of new talent. Quite simply we will struggle, like any other club in the same position. Recruitment focus on unearthed talent or ‘prospects’ which means a swift return to Champions League unlikely. The situation then perpetuates making top four increasingly difficult. If all this comes together I really do worry about Liverpool.
However, get it right and finish in the top four things could be very different. The concerns over Salah and Firmino won’t go but at least becomes unlikely or a longer term issue. Do our business well and bring in top players (Lemar and Draxler sound perfect to me) then we will likely push on and achieve the success we want and deserve.
Let’s hope Klopp gets it right.
