Liverpool’s defence of their Premier League crown won at a canter last season has frankly become an embarrassment.
Jurgen Klopp’s once domineering side has foundered as it sets unwanted club records.
Six home defeats in a row
An unprecedented sixth successive home defeat against relegation threatened Fulham on Sunday is their worst ever run at Anfield. It has also surely put in doubt a top four finish this season.
The stats make grim reading for all Reds fans. Liverpool are the only club in Europe’s top five leagues not to have picked up a point in their last six games. They are also 89th out of 98 clubs for their overall record in the previous half dozen games.
Unbeaten for almost four years at Anfield
This slump is even more extraordinary as it comes after they were previously unbeaten at home for almost four years- 68 games. Liverpool have also failed to hit the net with any of their last 115 shots at Anfield in the league.
Last seasons champions have now lost nine times in 28 matches in the league so far. The same number as the total of the three previous seasons combined.
Taking its toll on injuries
A smaller playing squad for Klopp has implemented their high pressing style. But such an approach takes its toll on bodies. A lack of reinforcements along with a shallow squad depth has meant the same players have been asked to perform again and again. Over the course of four years that will understandably affect this squad.
This has meant Liverpool have had to contend with crippling injuries and a lot of poor performances. This team look tired and jaded and have done for a while. The players apart from having no confidence look like they want the league season to finish.
City squad better than Liverpool’s
Since assembling a title winning unit Liverpool haven’t addressed the problems to come when injuries start to happen. It is a fact, compare the squads of Manchester City’s and Liverpool’s with one look at the benches will tell you who is the strongest.
Players for Plan B for Liverpool are not good enough. With the exception of Diogo Jota, no recent signing has been up to standard.
Without their regular backline and with the midfield shuffles they are trying to fill deep big holes. The whole system fails to click into gear.
Not just all about losing Van Dijk
Naturally losing a key player like Virgil Van Dijk to a season ending injury would affect any side. Along with serious injuries to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip and the crazy situation of the club not to buy a proven defender in the January transfer window will haunt them.
To cap of a miserable season for the champions to lose captain Jordan Henderson to injury was a huge blow, A proven strong character who is desperately missed to lead this current side is one of the biggest losses this season.
Last season Liverpool’s front three looked threatening in every game. This campaign they all are misfiring. In the last campaign sides were defeated before a ball had been kicked when they were up against Liverpool. This season it is the opposite as sides do not fear this current side.
Fans would help the cause for the club
Without fans at Anfield could be used as another reason why this squad are not performing. However, this shouldn’t be used as an excuse as all clubs are in the same position.
So what is the solution to get out of this mess for the mighty Reds?. By now with this poor run of results then most clubs would have dispersed of their manager.
Liverpool have always valued loyalty to their managers and even now it would appear highly unlikely that Klopp would be shown the door. But as we all know in this crazy sport it is all about a result business.
If Klopp goes then could Gerrard be in the hot seat
There has been whispers that should Klopp be relieved of his duties then the next person in line for the Anfield hot seat would be Steven Gerrard.
A Liverpool legend yes, but could you really see this man bringing success to the club in the shape of the Premiership and Europe. In my opinion the answer to that question would be no.
Liverpool are finding out how hard it is to defend a Premiership title. Very few have been successful in the past. Injuries or not after all, everybody wants to beat the champions, injuries or not.