Fc Liverpool Blog

Liverpool’s transfer business caught the eye this summer with the arrivals of Alisson, Fabinho and Naby Keita all joining the club ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. They also spent around £12 million to acquire the services of Xherdan Shaqiri with the Swiss star arriving in a cut-price deal from relegated Stoke City. Many fans envisaged the 27-year old becoming a useful fringe player and expected him to be regularly utilised from the bench but his appearances have been limited at Anfield so far and he’s become visibly frustrated with his lack of action.

Liverpool enjoyed a successful pre-season and Shaqiri played a pivotal role throughout. He featured in a number of different roles as Jurgen Klopp experimented with his squad but, despite his impressive performances, he always knew he had a fight on his hands to keep his place in the side once the season got underway.

He was deployed on the right-flank against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup but Jurgen Klopp appeared unhappy with his side’s lack of defensive nous and he hasn’t featured in the side since. Shaqiri sees himself as more of a playmaker and has spoken of his desire to play a number ten role. He told a Swiss newspaper that it would allow him more freedom and open up a number of creative possibilities. However, Liverpool’s formation is unlikely to accommodate this position so Shaqiri may have to be patient and await an opportunity. Liverpool will play eight times between December 1st and New Years Day and this busy period will be followed by the third round of the FA Cup and Shaqiri is likely to make a couple of appearances during this hectic festive period.

Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to meddle with his side over the coming weeks due to the Reds’ excellent start to the Premier League season. Following consecutive draws with Chelsea and Manchester City, they remain unbeaten so far and are level on points with the aforementioned duo. The quest for silverware could be a three-horse race this season and Liverpool are second favourites in the Premier League betting market and are available at 9/4 to finish top of the pile and secure the title.

Speculation about Shaqiri’s future has been rife and plenty was made of his alleged dispute with Jurgen Klopp following the club’s Carabao Cup exit but the German boss has been quick to play down these reports. The Swiss playmaker was the standout star during the Potter’s disastrous campaign last year and the majority of their play revolved around him however it’s a completely different set of circumstances in Merseyside.

Rivalling Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino for a place in the side was always going to be an uphill task and Shaqiri has found it tough so far but there is still plenty of time for him to shine in a Liverpool shirt. He was never signed to be a lynchpin of this side but he could be deployed from the bench more often and is undoubtedly a useful ‘plan b’ for Jurgen Klopp. With the fixtures coming thick and fast, there should be plenty of opportunities to come for Shaqiri but he is unlikely to displace any of Liverpool’s potent front three on current form.

The Champions League is Europe’s biggest and best club competition, featuring teams from across the continent. The four clubs from the Premier League – Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, will be hoping to return England to the top of club football once again.

Overall it was a mixed bag for the English clubs in the group draw, as Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all have to contend with European heavyweights, while Manchester City received a comparatively easy group.

Liverpool

The Reds produced a set of fine displays to reach last season’s Champions League final. This season though, they started off with a tough group, being drawn against Napoli, PSG and Red Star Belgrade and their fans face trips to Paris and Belgrade, having already witnessed their club suffer defeat away to Napoli. Paris is likely to be a more popular destination due to being a shorter trip and a more luxurious place to stay.

Manchester City

Manchester City were knocked out of last season’s Champions League in the quarter-final by an in-form Liverpool and will seek to change things this season by progressing further.

This season City were drawn against Lyon, Shakhtar Donetsk and 1899 Hoffenheim and were made the early favourites in the Champions League odds. The Citizens have already travelled to Germany and the Ukraine to play Hoffenheim and Shakhtar Donetsk respectively, picking up maximum points.

The final trip for City fans is Lyon, which is likely to prove popular, with the travel time significantly shorter than that of the Ukraine.

Tottenham Hotspur

When the draw was made, Tottenham fans would have experienced a mixture of nervousness and excitement, as they got to test themselves against Inter Milan and Barcelona. PSV Eindhoven were the final team to be drawn in the group.

Spurs have one point from their opening three matches, two of which, were away. They lost away to Inter Milan and drew away to PSV, and in both matches they conceded late goals to prevent them taking all three points.

Although the prospect of playing away at Barcelona will be daunting, at least the fans can enjoy a trip to one of Spain’s most popular cities.

Manchester United

The Champions League has failed to provide United fans with a welcome break from their dismal Premier League campaign. Valencia, Young Boys and Juventus were drawn against United in group H and the only victory they have picked up so far is away to Swiss club Young Boys.

They still face tough trips away to Valencia and Juventus, but the fans might be able to relax a little in Valencia and Turin, even if their team fails to produce the goods.

The following infographic enlightens us as to the expense that fans go through in order to watch their team in the Champions League.

So often regarded a shop window for the most talented players in the game to showcase their talents, transfer gossip inevitably surrounds the World Cup and the 2018 tournament in Russia is no different in that regard. One player who will be under the spotlight is Liverpool attacking midfielder Sadio Mané, with more than a few European giants expected to carefully monitor his performances with Senegal, as they bid to reach the latter stages.

Drawn in Group H, which could be one of the most fiercely contested at the 2018 World Cup, Senegal will have to rise above competition from Colombia, Japan and Poland. Given the respective strengths of each of those teams, there will certainly be some tasty matches to enjoy, as they jostle to make it through to the knockout stages.

Senegal are also an interesting outside tip to reach the quarterfinals according to Paddy Power World Cup betting, priced at 6/1 to be amongst the eight best teams at the tournament in Russia. As one of their most experienced international players, with 53 caps and 14 goals to his name, stellar displays by Mané will undoubtedly go a long way towards the team achieving such ambitions.

A key figure for Liverpool throughout the 2017-18 campaign, Mané has inevitably become the subject of more than a few transfer rumours. The 26-year-old produced consistently impressive displays in the Premier League, contributing 10 goals and 7 assists, which helped towards the team achieving a top-four finish.

Based on whoscored.com Champions League statistics, he was also one of the best players in the competition overall last season, with only Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid equalling the 8.12 average match rating achieved by Mané. Despite the outcome of the final, the Liverpool man scored and produced a man of the match performance, whereas the Portuguese star was ineffectual during the encounter in Kiev.

An ability to produce the goods on big occasions will be a priceless asset to Senegal at the World Cup, which also makes Mané one of the most exciting players to watch at the tournament. Undoubtedly, scouts and managers from some of the biggest clubs in Europe will be paying close attention to his performances, amidst speculation that Liverpool’s resolve could be tested with huge bids for his services.

The good news for the Reds and Jurgen Klopp is that Mané seemingly has no desire to leave Anfield, ahead of the 2018-19 season. “I’m very happy in Liverpool and my contract will last for three more years,” ESPN quoted him stating at Senegal’s training base in Russia, amidst suggestions that Real Madrid remain interested in making an offer.

There were reports that the Spanish giants were on the verge of closing a deal for Mané, ahead of the World Cup, but the sudden and surprising departure of Zinedine Zidane as manager seemingly halted progress in negotiations. After his controversial appointment at the Bernabéu and sacking as Spain coach, it remains to be seen if Julen Lopetegui will pursue any interest in the Senegalese player.

Mané, for now at least, looks like he’ll be staying at Anfield. However, that won’t stop new and alternative rumours surfacing about his future if he dazzles at the World Cup in Russia. Should that happen, Liverpool will inevitably have to brace themselves for renewed interest from the big-spenders in European football, eager to lure yet another of their star performers away from the club.

Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho could be key to Brazil’s chances of winning the FIFA World Cup 2018, especially with questions about Neymar’s fitness. The ace forward suffered a broken metatarsal and must race against time to be fit for the start of the tournament.

But, even if he does make Brazil’s match day team for their first game against Switzerland, how ready will he be? The South American greats’ fortunes could, therefore, lie in Barcelona’s playmaker Coutinho, whose presence in Tite’s line-up adds an element of finesse to Brazil’s newly found steel.

With Neymar fit, Coutinho will help form a formidable frontline that’ll include Man City’s Jesus and Chelsea star Willian. It’s an attack that has seen bookmakers make the South Americans favourites to lift the trophy. Even with doubts over Neymar’s fitness, something alleviated by the news that he’s making excellent progress in his comeback, pre-tournament World Cup betting has many fans backing Brazil.

But Coutinho’s role is also important in how it takes the heat off Neymar. The expectation on the Paris St. Germain striker is immense. But, with Coutinho in the starting 11, particularly through his prowess in between the lines and ability to create chances out of nothing, both players will feel an added sense of freedom without the burden of having to take all the responsibility.

Improved under Tite, who took over from previous head coach Dunga, Brazil not only survived a tough South American qualification group but won it in style, recording 12 wins along the way. They only lost one game during qualification despite the group featuring Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Chile (who failed to qualify).

Importantly, Tite has brought solidarity to the team that needed a change in mindset and approach, highlighted by a devastating defeat at the hands of Germany four years ago. The 2018 Brazil is one that balances crowd-pleasing style with genuine guile through the likes of Fernandinho, Miranda and Marquinhos. They complement the playmaking qualities of Coutinho and co.

Some will say Brazil can’t win a World Cup on European soil. Indeed, they haven’t done so since their 1958 triumph. But they have European pedigree in their squad. Coutinho enjoyed a successful time at Liverpool before joining Spanish champions Barcelona. Neymar has been wowing the French fans at Paris St. German after many successful years in Spain, and goalkeeper Ederson has just won the Premier League alongside Brazil teammate Fernandinho at Man City.

Neymar will likely be fit for Brazil at FIFA World Cup 2018 (and he’ll probably be the team’s star man). But, unlike in the past, Brazil is more than just a team of individual geniuses and under new head coach Tite, the fortunes of the South Americans have been founded upon galvanising individual strengths to produce a tactical whole.

Now, the style, finesse and pace of its frontline is supported by toughness through the middle and players willing to put in the hard yards both in attack and in defence. Coutinho’s presence is an important piece of the equation and, if anyone other than Neymar grabs the headlines, it’ll almost certainly be the former Liverpool man.

Football is one of the simplest sports around. Eleven players take on eleven other players, and the team that scores the most goals by the end of 90 minutes wins the game. There are obviously numerous rules which are used to reduce unfair advantages, but the simple explanation gives anyone who isn’t familiar with the sport an idea of what the sport is about. Over the years, the sport has developed into the biggest sport in the world which has left fans with multiple ways to enjoy the game, such as football betting online.

Despite the sport being relatively simple, there is a lot of history behind the sport. The origin of the sport is not fully known, the Cambridge rules (the rules which were widely adopted at the time in public schools) were drawn up in 1848and numerous revisions ended up playing a significant part in developing the rules that became association football in 1863. Since the rules of association football were drawn up, football in England and world continued to grow into the world-renowned sport it is today.

Do you consider yourself a football fanatic fan, or do you know you are just a casual football fan and only watch a few games? This quiz will test your knowledge of football, primarily the Premier League, and determine what kind of football fan you are. Will you be a footballing fanatic, or will you end up being labelled as a casual? Take this quiz and find out!

Losing Phil Coutinho to Barcelona was as painful as outgoing transfers have ever been for the Anfield faithful, but in the end wholly unavoidable as the little Brazilian had made his mind up. Manager Klopp admitted there was no chance of Coutinho staying and tying him down to a lengthy contract. The Reds have had their share of surprising defeats since his departure to the Nou Camp with a shock loss to Swansea and a fourth-round FA Cup exit to West Brom at Anfield.

It’s far from panic stations, with Klopp’s men third in the league and well positioned in the Champions League with a tie against Porto coming up in the round of 16. A pulsating quarter-final tie at Anfield seems very likely, with the Reds backed at 2/5 to pass their Portuguese test in football betting. The season holds an immense amount of promise, still even without Coutinho, and the summer has the potential to be one of the best yet with the news James Rodriguez fancies a move to Liverpool.

Rodriguez’s stock went through the roof after putting together a string of eye-catching performances during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was soon snapped up by Real Madrid. Chances for the Colombian to impress at the Bernabeu have been limited and his future with the Spanish giants looks all but over after being loaned out to Bayern Munich for an unprecedented two years.

The Golden Boot winner from the World Cup in Brazil has started 21 games for the German champions and has three goals and seven assists to his name. Word on the wires now is that Rodriguez is ready to start afresh in England with Liverpool his preferred destination.

If that were to be the case then it’s hard not to see how much that move would benefit all parties concerned. At some stage, Klopp will have to replace Coutinho and the perfect candidate would be an eager Rodriguez who has a point to prove after his career has somewhat dwindled since leaving Brazilian shores in 2014.

The coffers run deep enough for Fenway Sports to shell out the required sum for the Colombian playmaker and would give Klopp and Anfield a chance to see whether a new Fab Four version 2.0 can be born. A lot has to fall into place, but if the word coming out of Germany is true that Rodriguez is up for the move, then there is a sense that Liverpool should act on it.

James Rodriguez ‘wants Liverpool move’ as Real Madrid star plots Premier League switch this summer https://t.co/XkDze2zvk5pic.twitter.com/ugCKukWPfP

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) February 1, 2018

By the time the summer swings around, it is almost guaranteed that the interest in Mo Salah will dominate headlines in Liverpool. The Egyptian is rumoured to be wanted by Real Madrid, Rodriguez’s parent club. Madrid’s pursuit of players is a ruthless one and it’s easy to see how they would dangle James Rodriguez and a substantial transfer fee in front of Liverpool in order to weaken their clutches on their prized man Salah. The chance is there for Liverpool to strengthen and build or get weaker by dismantling their attacking threat.

Liverpool Football Club is one of the most successful clubs in England and the world. Since the club was founded in 1892, the club has won 5 European Cups, 3 UEFA Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 18 League titles, 7 FA Cups, 8 League Cups, and 15 FA Community Shields.These achievements show that there is a history of winning and success ingrained in the club. Although it has been a few seasons since Liverpool last won a trophy, the Merseyside club are usually favourites when it comes to football betting odds on Paddy Power due to their stature and historic achievements.
Throughout the clubs history there have been a number of managers who have had various levels of success.

The majority of football clubs usually only have a couple of ‘top’ managers, but due to the success Liverpool have had since their inception, the following managers are some of Liverpool’s (and football’s) finest.

BILL SHANKLEY
Bill Shankley is probably one of the most influential figures in Liverpool’s history. Before his arrival at the club, Liverpool weren’t the most successful club, only winning the First Division five times and occasionally dropping to the Second Division.Shortly after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to non-league Worcester City, Shankley was brought into the club. He wasted no time in making his mark on the club as he released 24 players and converted an old boot room into the infamous ‘Boot Room’. His rebuilding work paid off in 1962 when he managed to get Liverpool back into the First Division which he eventually won just two years later.

Shankley then managed to help Liverpool through a period of stability, something they had lacked through the majority of their history. It was the early 70s when Liverpool turned into a powerhouse when Shankley rebuilt the team and added some young talent. This move paid off in 1972/73 when Liverpool won their first even European Cup.

Without Shankley, Liverpool wouldn’t be the club that they are today.

BOB PAISLEY
Following the resignation of Shankley, his assistant Bob Paisley was promoted to the manager of the first team. Paisley continued to build and Shankley’s squad and gave the club even more success. Apart from his first year as manager, Paisley managed to win at least one trophy in his nine seasons at the club and lead Liverpool through a period of English and European dominance. Whilst being manager of the club, Paisley won six First Division titles, three League Cups, one UEFA Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, six Charity Shields and, most significantly, three European Cups.

JOE FAGAN
After Paisley resigned from the managerial role, Joe Fagan was promoted from assistant manager to first team manager. Although he only spent two seasons at the club, his first one was very successful. During his first season, the team won the European Cup, the League Championship and the League Cup and so Fagan was the first manager of an English club to win three major trophies in a single season.

KENNY DALGLISH
Kenny Dalglish followed Joe Fagan in the managerial dugout as he was given the role of player-manager. During his first tenure at the club, Liverpool managed to win another three League Championships and two FA Cups. Despite resigning from the role in 1991, Dalglish returned to the club as manager in 2011 where he managed to win a League Cup. Although he was sacked as manager at the end of the season, Dalglish is now a non-executive director and has a stand named after him.

RAFAEL BENÍTEZ
Since the formation of the Premier League, Liverpool haven’t reached the heights they did in the 1970s. However during the reign of Rafa Benitez, Liverpool managed to win a few extra trophies. The most notable example is when Benitez managed to win Liverpool their fifth European Cup in the iconic 2005 Champions League final where Liverpool came from 3-0 down to win the cup on penalties. He also managed to win a FA Cup, FA Community Shield, and UEFA Super Cup during his time at the club

Despite confrontations with owners and decline near the end of his time at the club, Benitez is still a fan favourite at Anfield.

WILLIAM EDWARD BARCLAY AND JOHN MCKENNA
Although Barclay and McKenna aren’t the most successful managers the club has ever seen, they were the first of many managers to take control of the club. Despite the two fact they were joint managers, Barclay acted as secretary-manager, overseeing the administrative side of the club, while McKenna took charge of matters on the field. The club managed to win the Lancashire Division and the Second Division in the first two seasons during their time at the club. After getting relegated from the First Division, McKenna hired Tom Watson to take over as manager.

TOM WATSON
Tom Watson may not be a very familiar name for football fans, but he was Liverpool’s longest manager between 1896 and 1915. His time at Liverpool might not have been full of trophies like other managers, however he gave the club their first taste of success, winning the First Division championship in 1901 and 1906. He also led the club to an FA Cup final in 1914, but Liverpool lost to Burnley. Watson could have led Liverpool to even more success, but unfortunately he died suddenly of pneumonia in 1915 after the outbreak of the First World War.

GÉRARD HOULLIER
Gérard Houllier isn’t the first manager that comes to mind when it comes to top Liverpool managers, but he was fairly successful during his time at the club. His reign didn’t get off to the best start with early exits in the UEFA and FA Cup. The highlight of Houllier’s reign was in 2001 when he won the unique treble of the FA Cup, League Cup, and the UEFA Cup. This was the highlight of his reign as the club failed to perform in the league and had very little success in the cups in other seasons. Although it wasn’t the greatest reign a manager has had during his time at Liverpool, he did manage to pick up a few trophies.

JÜRGEN KLOPP
The final man on this list is JürgenKlopp. Although Klopp has yet to win anything during his time at Anfield, there is a feeling around the club that Klopp could be the man to bring trophies back to Anfield. The German has already taken them to two finals, but they have yet to record a victory in them. However with the signings that have been made, Liverpool feel like they are in contention to win trophies.

Could Klopp be the man to bring Liverpool their first Premier League title since the league was formed?

In what promises to be an extremely close title race, the finest margins could make the biggest of differences. Whilst Liverpool have strengthened in some areas of the park, they still lack a top-class striker. Jurgen Klopp may fancy his chances of tactically navigating that issue and still producing effective results but there is no doubt that the signing of a top centre-forward would increase fans’ optimism for the season.

Of course, there is no disputing that Liverpool have a surfeit of attacking talent. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah would grace any side in the league, and arguably any side in Europe. Yet without a talisman who can be depended on for goals, there is pressure on creators to become finishers as well.

In terms of the odds, Liverpool can be backed at a price of 12/1 in the Premier League betting to take the title. This price slots them alongside Arsenal in contention to be champions, and behind the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Tottenham. Liverpool fans will consider them unfortunate to be considered a longer shot than a Spurs side that has failed to improve their squad, and an Arsenal side that finished outside of the Champions League places last year.

Yet perhaps the reason for an increase in favouring Arsenal is the addition of Alexandre Lacazette to the squad. Lacazette is a marked improvement on the striking options available to Wenger previously; despite contentions that Giroud is superior because he is a starter for France over Lacazette, the national team’s play is devised to maximise Antoine Griezmann through the ideal target man foil of Giroud. Lacazette is clinical and has a proven goalscoring record.

All of the other contenders have similarly prestigious strikers to call upon. Manchester City have the deadly Sergio Aguero as well as the vast potential of Gabriel Jesus. In Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku, Spurs and Manchester United have a centre-forward who is proven in the Premier League across a number of seasons. Chelsea have added Alvaro Morata, essentially as a replacement for Diego Costa, and the former Real Madrid player will relish being the main man. Therefore, Liverpool are at a clear disadvantage compared to their rivals in a striking position. Klopp found a way to operate successfully last season without an out-and-out striker for much of the time so his tactical nous could prevail. Also, Roberto Firmino is now considered a striker and not a midfielder on the official Fantasy Premier League game, which is usually a fair barometer of what a player’s role will be.

Liverpool are currently third in the Premier League and have been a firm contender for a top-four finish all season. They are now just four games away from securing Champions League football for next term, with eight points separating them from seventh-placed Everton.

The Reds’ most recent result was a disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace, where Philippe Coutinho was first to strike with an exceptional freekick to give his side a 1-0 lead. Manager Jurgen Klopp described the goal as “genius”.

Klopp: “They are a good side, but we dominated the game. We had very good moments in the first half, the free-kick was genius.” pic.twitter.com/6TvTeaLQmT

— The Liverpool Goals (@TheLivpoolGoals) April 23, 2017

But former Liverpool man Christian Benteke hit back with two goals to gain the victory over his old club and put Liverpool’s chances of a top-four finish in jeopardy.

However, Liverpool will not want to settle for the Europa League after eyeing Champions League qualification all season. Klopp has to face Southampton and Middlesbrough at Anfield as well as travel to West Ham and Watford. The Merseyside outfit are 8/15 to finish in the top four in the football betting despite all three teams below them having two games in hand each.

The main problem with Klopp’s side this year is their inability to keep the ball out of their own goal. Liverpool may have scored more than any other Premier League team this season (70) but they have conceded more than any other top-seven team (42). They have been unlucky with injuries but the fact is they don’t have enough depth in the defence.

James Milner has done well filling in at left back for most of the season but he can’t be a permanent first choice for them in that position and with youngsters such as Alexander-Arnold just not ready yet and Alberto Moreno’s consistency issues they need to strengthen their options.

Manchester City’s Gael Clichy is out of contract in the summer and is still uncertain about his future. Clichy, 31, has been a prominent feature in the City back four this year but Pep Guardiola may want to look elsewhere in a younger direction – if so, Liverpool could do well to snap up the experienced left back.

Another option would be Leeds United’s Charlie Taylor, who has already proven himself in the Championship where he is arguably the best left back in the league.

Taylor, 23, fell out with his current club Leeds United last year after he failed to sign a new deal and several Premier League clubs are keeping their eyes on him. With a little help, Taylor could become a very capable player in the top flight.

Liverpool have fantastic centre-backs in Lovren and Matip and before the Crystal Palace loss they held the record of 14 games unbeaten together:

Liverpool’s form in the Premier League when Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren have started the game this season:

DWWDWWDWDDWDWW

Unbeaten. 👊pic.twitter.com/K2w8oWGPG7

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 16, 2017

But when those two aren’t fit Liverpool struggle to replace them. They have Klavan, who has played well when either Matip or Lovren aren’t fit but the defence as a whole could benefit from beefing up, especially in the left back position.

Liverpool are currently in training at Melwood after they completed what is being viewed as a mini preseason on the south coast of Spain at La Manga, the prime training venue for top international and national squads. England followers will remember the name of the resort well, as that was the location of Paul ‘Gazza ‘ Gascoigne’s devastation after hearing he would not be in the squad for the 1998 World Cup and more recently Leicester City’s players were asked to leave after causing trouble. It appears that Liverpool have managed to avoid any dispute and there is still much to focus on before the last game of the season on 21st of May.

Jurgen Klopp’s team have thirteen games remaining this season and Champions League qualification remains the crucial goal, yet improvement is the short term aim after a miserable run of games that saw The Reds lose to Southampton in the League Cup, lose to Swansea City and Hull City in the Premier League and get knocked out of the FA Cup by Wolves. Liverpool currently sit in fifth position and with just three points between them and Manchester City, the race for Champions League qualification is going to go down to the wire.

Change of mentality

Captain Jordan Henderson has already stated that the team is focused on achieving Klopp’s dream of fourteen consecutive victories and the win over Tottenham Hotspur was a step towards attaining that dream. Liverpool face Arsenal and Manchester City in March and they will both be desperate to claim all three points to boost their Champions League prospects. Yet although games against top six rivals are hugely important, Klopp’s record in these top of the table clashes is remarkably good and if the league was only made up of the top six, Liverpool would be three points clear at the top. It’s the upcoming games against the likes of Burnley, Crystal Palace and Watford that should be of more concern to Liverpool fans, as there is a sense that the team are not approaching these games with the right mentality. Liverpool’s next game is against champions Leicester City who are on a woeful run of form and those bitcoin betting on sports will find Liverpool at 1.60 for a win that would convince many that Liverpool have adopted a different attitude and are capable of dispatching those teams in the lower reaches of the Premier League.

Refresh the squad

There was defiantly a consensus that Liverpool tired during and after the Christmas period and a stretch of time without competitive football should enable the team to restore energy levels and be back to the devastating form we saw early in the campaign. There have been accusations from Dutch coach Raymond Verheijen that this slump in form was inevitable considering Klopp’s training methods and match tactics. These accusations of Klopp destroying players through overwork are rendered mute when you consider that Verheijen expressed the same opinion of Antonio Conte’s squad preparation and Chelsea seem to be doing very nicely sat atop the Premier League. Yet there is no doubt that players such as Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino appeared tired and coupled with a few untimely injuries the team suffered.

Now we can be hopeful that Liverpool’s trip to Spain will mean a change of attitude against smaller teams, injuries and tiredness are a thing of the past, certain players are ready to take the opportunity to prove they have a place in Klopp’s plans and a reinvigorated group of players can fire towards Champions League qualification and be in form for the challenges of next season.