Liverpool haven’t won a trophy since 2012, and have only won the one prize since 2006. The club is crying out for silverware.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Five years without a trophy is too long for Liverpool. That’s the mark they will reach this season. One trophy in the space of 11 years is incredibly sparse for a club of their stature.
The League Cup has now been rebranded the EFL Cup. Though it is essentially calling it it’s more traditional name through a modern brand by way of initialism, it is an example that the competition has needed work to make it more glamorous.
Burnley’s Andre Gray in action with Liverpool’s Ragnar Klavan
It was a competition that Jurgen Klopp seemed to take to from when he was appointed Liverpool boss. His first win came in the competition against Bournemouth as they embarked on a run to the final only to lose to Manchester City on penalties at Wembley.
Liverpool have since missed out on the Europa League having lost the final to Sevilla in May, and a result the desire to silverware in the cabinet come the end of the season has only grown stronger at Anfield. No European football means that only three competitions are on offer this season, like the last time they won the competition, and realistically means the Reds have to look at the League Cup as a real opportunity to end their recent trophy drought.
Kenny Dalglish celebrates with his staff after Liverpool’s 2012 League Cup triumph
If you look at their opening two league campaigns, we could surmise that Liverpool may have certain inconsistencies across the season, but do have the capability to raise their game at certain moments – a lot like a squad that’s almost geared towards cup competitions.
If Liverpool are to fulfil their long term aim of competing towards the top of English, and European, football on a regular basis then winning things has to become a habit.
Even lately, Chelsea’s League Cup wins have not had a league title far away from it, the same could be said of Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson in the late 2000’s.
Success breeds success. A winning habit is a good one to have. Liverpool need to take every opportunity they can to try and develop it.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before the match
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