Liverpool have endured a tough campaign this season and all chances of a trophy have gone. On the Premier League front, the team will likely not finish in the top four positions. The Reds are a team in transition that have seen many vital stars depart in recent years.
In the summer Liverpool must adapt and make crucial changes to compete for major honours again next season.
A lack of quality in the midfield
Liverpool have been lacklustre in all areas of the pitch but the midfield has stood out as a key area of concern. The likes of Fabinho Tavares and Jordan Henderson have reached world-class levels in seasons of the past but they should no longer be undisputed starters. Liverpool have lacked energy and control in the middle of the pitch this season.
They have transformed from a team competing on all four fronts to a team unable to mount a serious challenge in any competition. In the EPL betting odds, Liverpool are offered at 11/4 to finish in a UEFA Champions League qualification spot. It will certainly be a tough ask of the Reds to finish in the top four with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United positioned more strongly in the table.
Investment is crucial but it is far from the answer
Investment is crucial this summer and Liverpool have been linked with several huge names. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are set to depart amongst others meaning many incomings will be needed. Liverpool could also benefit from added competition in defence with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez not producing the greatest performances this season. Liverpool's attack is packed with talent but still, Jurgen Klopp lacks a genuine Mohamed Salah backup within his arsenal. The lack of depth in various areas needs to be addressed as well as signing new starters.
Jurgen Klopp: “We are already planning for the next season. There are talks, we are busy”. #LFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 31, 2023
“Player side, positive. There are talks, but no decisions. We are busy as you can imagine”. pic.twitter.com/8OcM4MXPpi
Entering the transfer market is just the start of fixing the club's problems on the pitch. Liverpool certainly requires more quality and depth within their squad. It could be argued however that a change in system and philosophy is required at Anfield. Liverpool need to find their identity again or Klopp needs to introduce a fresh strategy. This season the team has lacked cohesion on the pitch which is uncharacteristic for a Klopp side. One of their main strengths in recent years was their togetherness both in counter-pressing and attacking as a team.
A new system could bring new life to Klopp's side
In terms of tactics, Klopp's system has been incredibly effective since he joined the club back in 2015. However, it could be argued that a change is needed. It is unclear whether the game has evolved or teams have worked out how to nullify Klopp's system. Perhaps a change to a 4-2-3-1 could bring improvement - Klopp has experimented with the formation before. Liverpool could make the most of their attacking depth by deploying four at once.
They could become a much stronger possession-based side with two defensive midfielders helping to support the play from deep and provide valuable cover. The four attackers could offer a wider range of attacking patterns which could make the team less reliant on the fullbacks to create chances. Liverpool are no longer a high-intensity outfit that overwhelms teams but an increased focus on attack could change that.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) January 25, 2023
Ultimately a huge rebuild must begin in the summer on Merseyside. Liverpool have had huge success in the transfer market during the Klopp era. There will be little worry about the club's ability to buy the profiles the team needs. However, the transfer window can only provide the basis of an answer to the club's struggles. Liverpool must find their identity if they are to again become mentality monsters on the pitch.
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