Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has claimed that Jurgen Klopp has to win a trophy this season due to the quality he has in his squad.
The Reds host Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, and Thompson feels the Liverpool boss should be making the competition a priority.
“It would be great, I would love to do it and it’s a trophy,” he told Sky Sports when asked if he wanted Liverpool to go all the way. “Jurgen has to win a trophy this year. For the quality of squad he now has, he has to win a trophy.
“It gives him a great opportunity and I would gladly take the Carabao Cup, but you have to look where your priorities lie, which is what most managers do and make changes in these early rounds.”
OPINION
Thompson is right, the Carabao Cup is a trophy and it’s how some great managers have started their reigns in England off successfully. Both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho won the their first trophy in English football in the competition, and used it as a springboard to further success. Now Klopp has the squad he wants in place he can do the same. Chelsea are obviously a tough team to be facing in the third round of the competition, but Liverpool arguably have superior strength in depth so they should be confident of knocking Maurizio Sarri’s side out. The fact that the game is at Anfield will also help Liverpool, and the fans can play a real part in ensuring there’s a European-esque atmosphere in the stadium on Wednesday night. For all Klopp’s achievements as Reds manager, he has yet to win a trophy. Thompson is right, this is the year that has to change – no more excuses.
