Liverpool’s final days under Jurgen Klopp is defining what a countdown looks like as the glory they anticipated come the end of the season has slowly faded.
They had it in their hands didn’t they ? At the turn of the year, the Kop were eight points clear of current league leaders Arsenal, and also defeated Mikel Arteta’s minions before the short mid-season break.
Fast forward, just more than three months later, they continued to lose grounds and now fall three points off the top of the Premier League table after defeat to their rivals in the Merseyside derby.
That defeat alone signals another low for Liverpool as they’ve not lost to Everton at the Goodison Park since a Tim Cahill and another Mikel Arteta screamer secured a 2-0 win for David Moyes’ side against Roy Hodgson’s.
Before disaster struck, Liverpool were on their way to claiming the quadruple, and give their departing manager Jurgen Klopp a decorated finale to his time at the club, which they anticipated would finish on a high.
Liverpool secured a draw at home to Manchester City as they continued to stand their ground in the race for the quadruple, and albeit the result saw them surrender top spot to Arsenal, it also presented a chance for them to reclaim it.
Unfortunately, they started to hit down curve before the opportunity presents itself.
Emirates FA Cup exit at Manchester United
One of the venues Jurgen Klopp’s era at Liverpool found little joy is the home of their fiercest rival, Old Trafford.
In eleven visits during his to the Theather of Dreams in his just less than ten years with Liverpool, only twice, both coming back-to-back in the Premier League, did Klopp tasted wins at the home of United.
There was where their dreams were chattered this season. An Amad Diallo’s injury time winner in extra time knocked them out of the FA Cup in the quarter finals.
Less than a month later, they were lucky to have left Old Trafford with a draw thanks to a controversial penalty converted by Mohamed Salah six minutes before the end of normal time.
The End of Liverpool’s quadruple dream
Inspired by the team’s togetherness and believe, which has been the hallmark of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at the club, they managed to set themselves on the right track for glory with contributions of their summer recruits.
Alexis Mac Allister mostly has been a standout player for them. And while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch battle inconsistency, it wasn’t the case at the start of the season – mostly for the Hungarian.
The disappointing result at Old Trafford was followed with back-to-back home losses, as Atalanta shockingly thrashed them in front of the Kop in the first-leg of their Europa League quarter-final meeting.
3-0 it finished after goals from Mario Pasalic and a Gianluca Scamacca’s double prove too mighty for a red comeback on the night in Anfield. It was almost game, set and match already for the Bergamo outfit.
Looking to bounce back the following weekend, Liverpool were met with another frustrating result as Crystal Palace earned their third win over Liverpool in the era of Jurgen Klopp, all which have come in Anfield.
Liverpool had not lost a game to Palace in their 13 previous meeting before Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal ended that run, which had saw the Reds picked up eleven wins.
Liverpool in that match also failed to score in a home league game against the Eagles for the first time since the December of 1994.
Moreso, it brought only the second Premier League home defeat for Virgil van Dijk as a Liverpool player, also ending a run of 28 unbeaten in Anfield in the competition.
Although a Mohamed Salah’s early penalty granted them a consolation win in Bergamo a few days later, it did nothing to prevent a humiliating exit from the UEFA Europa League.
They needed two second half goals to see off Fulham in the weekend but they again failed in the following game, as goals in either half from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a massive win for Everton.
Now three points behind Arsenal and two behind Manchester City, the later still with an outstanding game, it becomes difficult for Liverpool as the end of the season nears.
What ever happened to the quadruple chasing Kop ?
It is unfortunate that Liverpool find themselves in this position. Albeit injuries has played its part, loss of form has played a major role in their debacle.
Mohamed Salah has seen a show of his past self since the turn of the year. The Egyptian ranked highest in almost all attacking numbers in the Premier League before leaving for the AFCON but after picking up an injury and having to return from Ivory Coast earlier, he hasn’t been able to again hit top form.
Darwin Nunez has had a better season compared to his debut season but he also appears to have fallen off of late, and his missed chances have proven very detrimental to the chances of the club.
The dream turned into a mockery. In his ninth season at the club, this is the time Liverpool have really faltered when they have been so comfortable across all competitions.
Jurgen Klopp and his faults
Jurgen Klopp also has his share of the blame. As fans continue to criticize many of his decision, he will of course have no choice but admit to guilt as results are not going their way.
Team selection has been a major headache for the German since injuries set in. Though youngsters have stepped up severally and made impact with the first team.
A proof is their Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea, where many of their first team starters were absent.Youngsters from the club’s Academy like Jayden Danns, Conor Bradley, Bobby Clarke and James McConnell all featured as a Virgil van Dijk’s extra time winner kickstarted the quadruple dream.
Calum Scanlon (19), Kaide Gordon (19), Lewis Koumas (18) and Trey Nyoni (16) have also at some stage featured for Liverpool. Jarrel Quansah on the hand is having his breakthrough season with the club.
Curtis Jones featured in the starting lineup in three of the four decisive losses, whilst he had not enjoyed the best of outings. The consistency in his selection by Klopp is what fans found unacceptable.
The die is cast for the Liverpool
The season is defined, and so is the era of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. The Carabao Cup has been secured while they have been sent packing from the Emirates FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League.
Their fate is no longer in their own hands when it comes to the Premier League title as it is now almost impossible for them to finish ahead of both Arsenal and Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s trip to West Ham United, Jurgen Klopp says he is sure that Liverpool can go on and win their final four games.
Even if they are able to achieve that, it is most likely they’ll end the season with only the Carabao Cup and a place in the top four.
Maybe the news of a tactical genius like Arne Slot succeeding Jurgen Klopp will be a worthy consolation. Kops who have dreamt of climax ending to the season now have no choice but to accept this failure and hope the new manager can sustain the good time.
It is a difficult time at Liverpool, but for now, they can only look forward to what the future will bring, as they set to kickoff a new era.
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