I understand there was an international competition recently, meaning we couldn’t talk to our soon to be out of contract players, two, in fact, but this is negligence of the highest order. It is bad enough that Liverpool FC allowed Trent, Salah and Van Dijk’s contract to run until a year is left, but now we have a week to sort out the Gomez situation and a number of other positions in need of improvement.
The contract situation is the worst offender. Even before Hughes came in, we should have sorted these contracts and come to a decision in regards to extension or selling. To let these 3 go on frees would be criminal, but that is now a possibility. I still believe Trent will stay, but I am not sure about the other two.
We had more than enough time to sort it, regardless of the situation happening with the Sporting Director role, once they were hired, it should have been their first act. We waited, and waited, and now we find ourselves with the window closing imminently. This is the worst time to buy players too because every players evaluation goes up. Clubs know that some will be desperate, will pay that much extra to get that player before time runs out. Plus, the selling club then has to buy a replacement of their own, forcing them to act against the clock.
The Gomez situation makes this all so much worse. If we lose him, we lose capable cover all over the defensive line. And our 4th choice centre back. Going into a season with Konate, Quansah and Van Dijk as centre back options is just asking for trouble. Konate can’t stay injury free, Quansah is still developing and needs rotation (Plus he’s picked up a slight niggle, apparently), Van Dijk is resilient, but sooner or later we are going to have to lighten his load, he can’t play our most matches every season and be expected to maintain this into his mid-30’s, considering also he too had an ACL issue a few years ago.
The amount of competitions we will compete in means depth is more essential this season than last. To go from Europa league to Champions League will be a big step. We won’t have the opportunity to blood in youngsters, like we did really well last season. Plus, the new format of the Champions League means we will play more matches (8 instead of 6) at the initial stage, than previous competitions, which is still just barmy to me. Players complain about the number of games they are being forced to play, UEFA assuages these concerns by putting on more matches.
I fear we are weak in a number of positions. Robbo’s playing style and commitment to Klopp’s system is being to show clear signs of regression. The numerous injuries last season, his poor performances are indicative of a player being run into the ground. Genuinely, one of the best fullbacks I have ever seen for Liverpool, but he is not the same player he was. I don’t know if there is a plan with Owen Beck or Luke Chambers, the former apparently available for transfer, or what is going on with these Tsimikas rumours, but I feel this is a position we should have strengthened.
We should have brought in an understudy to Salah, to learn from him, see how he conducts himself, in order to assume the role should Salah leave. A succession plan should have been in place. Instead, nothing. So, when Salah leaves, we not only lose an integral player that knows the system, but have to replace him with someone that will be learning while playing.
I have high hopes for Trey Nyoni and Bajcetic, but these are kids, one of which has not played consistent football for over a year (Which is why I understand loaning him out, but not if we do not have significant cover in his position). Also, not sure what Nyoni’s best position is, as Slot played him in a number and he looked efficient in all of them, a huge statement from the player that he is adaptable and intelligent enough to fit Slot’s philosophy. But, once again, young.
There are still huge positives, please don’t think this is a post bashing Liverpool just for the sake of it. Replacing Klopp was always going to be a difficult task, but Slot, for me, has so far impressed in every situation he has been placed in. He conducts himself in interviews really well, in training he is involved and forms a part of his team, rather than Klopp who in the latter stages sat back and allowed Ljinders to lead training.
Tactically, Slot seems to have an idea and identity which the players he has our capable of fulfilling. Their were times last year, under Klopp, where we would start slow, sluggish and out of ideas, but individual quality would see us through, and, as the latter stages showed, that can only get you so far. With Slot, the sluggish start was apparent again, but it was combinations and team play that got us through, and that is something that can be sustained.
Really excited for this season, but concerned that next year we might be forced into making a host of significant changes, with players leaving, interest in others heightening (Macca is the one that concerns me) and to do all that in one transfer window is a herculean task. So many moving parts that could derail what we have built so far.
But that is next year, this year I hope more than anything that we have a great year and the feel good factor comes back because, right now, there are too many things happening behind the scenes that are affecting the positives on the pitch, and nothing should distract from the latter.
Written by LFC-S MANGO August 24 2024 15:44:13
