LIVERPOOL had looked irresistible, unstoppable, and in the Premier League, invincible.
That was the reason why a ten-year-old Irish boy named Daragh wrote to Jurgen Klopp, pointing out that “Liverpool are winning too many games” — and politely requesting the runaway Prem leaders start losing a few.
Jurgen Klopp must refresh his tired squad with signings this summer
In his lovely reply to the Manchester United fan, Klopp pointed out that he could not adhere to such a request but expected his team to lose games “in the future”.
The German boss would not have expected a run of four defeats from six matches. In any other season, it would have signalled a mini crisis at Anfield.
Liverpool have lost twice to Atletico Madrid, been hammered at Watford for their first Premier League loss and also bundled out of the FA Cup away to Chelsea.
But this is no ordinary year. Liverpool fans will not care less if the team loses all of their remaining games providing they win the title for the first time since 1990, which surely they will.
From the very first moment the supporters shook off hangovers after beating Spurs in the Champions League final, there was only one real aim this season.
The big test was always going to be the number of fixtures they would play.
Excluding the Carabao Cup loss at Aston Villa and FA Cup replay win over Shrewsbury — the Under-23s were involved in both — Klopp’s senior team have featured in 46 matches this season.
The packed programme, including the Club World Cup win in Qatar in December, is probably why they have gone off the boil since their winter breaks.
Had the Reds faced Atletico before heading off on holiday, they would surely be in the Champions League last eight.
The absence of Alisson is a reminder what an exceptional keeper he is. And Liverpool missed Jordan Henderson while he was on the sidelines.
He returned on Wednesday, while midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was outstanding before running out of steam.
Even though Liverpool have yet to seal the title, Klopp will already have one eye on helping this team evolve.
They need another attacker to test the established front three. Divock Origi has hero status for his important goals — but no long-term future.
Although he will cost more than £100million, and both Chelsea and Manchester United want him, Jadon Sancho would be perfect for Liverpool.
With Adam Lallana looking certain to leave at the end of the season, they will maybe look for another attack-minded midfielder.
Leicester’s James Maddison, who turned down Liverpool to sign for Norwich when he was at Coventry, would be expensive but add an extra dimension to the side.
There is no doubt the Reds will flex financial muscle and spend big this summer.
But for now, Klopp will be determined just to get the Premier League title done.
And in the grand scheme of things, few Kop fans are going lose too much sleep over that defeat to Atletico.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
