Wherever Liverpool finish this season, there is still plenty of work for their manager and his staff ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp is well known for his high pressing tactics and continues to apply the ‘Gengen Press’ at Liverpool. But will this approach alone really work in the long run?
The Premier League is known for its congested fixture lists and with Liverpool possibly participating in the Champion’s League next season it is difficult to see them maintaining that style all the way to the end.
Tiredness and likely injuries will surely catch up to players the more successful they are in the domestic cup and European competitions.
And it’s not just keeping the intensity throughout the season that will be a concern.
Klopp will undoubtedly make a number of summer signings to suit his play-style in the summer, but it is equally as important that he has an alternative solution for playing teams that sit back and defend or when his players simply lack the energy to maintain the press.
Liverpool boast the best record against the top sides in the Premier League so far this season, having picked up 20 points across 10 games against the top six.
It is against the clubs lower in the league where The Reds have struggled and where their pressing tactics are nullified.
Bournemouth’s late equaliser against Liverpool added to a list of poor results for Klopp’s men where they should have arguably done better.
When teams sit deep and deny them space behind the defence, Klopp needs to have some alternatives either tactically, or within his playing squad.
Unless a solution to winning these types of games is found, the chances of winning a league title that has eluded the club since 1990 will remain a distant dream.
Liverpool’s Divock Origi celebrates scoring their second goal with with team mates
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
