2 years ago
Liverpool have 30 days to reslove three Jürgen Klopp issues as Fabinho dilemma still needs fix
Liverpool still needs to overcome several difficulties even though the season is 30 days away. In addition to other things, Jürgen Klopp needs to resolve his Fabinho issue. Liverpool are in good shape as the new season begins. Jürgen Klopp will be envious of his opponents once the Premier League resumes in 30 days because while others have barely begun their pursuit of new players, business at Anfield is largely concluded.For instance, Chelsea is yet to complete a signing in actuality. Raheem Sterling's acquisition is already all but done, but Thomas Tuchel has lost the majority of his defensive line, and finding replacements is still a ways off. At Stamford Bridge, those 30 days will most likely pass by quite quickly.
Liverpool, though, also needs to be worked on. Klopp still has three issues that need to be resolved before the start of the season, despite the fact that they have escaped the transfer scramble.
Formation, first
Klopp has a lot of tactical adjustments to make, so it's a shame that preseason is a little shorter than normal. We will have to wait and see if the much-discussed formation shift will be implemented, but it seems like the Liverpool manager has the squad he needs to use the 4-2-3-1 on a semi-regular basis.
Following Liverpool's victory in the Champions League final, Carlo Ancelotti practically referred to them as predictable, and Jurgen Klopp would not have appreciated Thomas Tuchel shutting him out four times either (albeit winning two cups along the way). A blueprint for annoying this squad is developing quite gradually.
Therefore, Klopp will want to utilize this preseason to develop something of a Plan B, whether it is a transition to the 4-2-3-1 or some other as-yet-undisclosed change. The system that has helped Liverpool win every award imaginable won't be simply abandoned, but by the time the season starts in 30 days, the manager needs to carve out some new options.
2. Cover for Fabinho
Theoretically, Fabinho's replacement may be found in the transfer market. However, unless an extremely fantastic deal becomes available, Liverpool's declaration that they are finished for the window can probably be taken at face value.
Even if it doesn't necessitate hiring a professional, the problem of who stands in for the Brazilian must still be resolved. In recent seasons, his rigorous workload started to catch up with him, and minor injuries started to build. It is detrimental to Liverpool's fluidity to constantly call for backup on an as-needed basis.Jordan Henderson has been used by Klopp to fill the void the majority of the time. Liverpool does not significantly miss the captain farther forward thanks to the abundance of options in the number eight position, and he is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder. But if this is the answer, it must be fully adopted beginning within the next 30 days.
Henderson and Fabinho should split the number six role as Liverpool begin their preseason tour. The captain should also gradually leave his more advanced position, giving opportunity to players like Naby Keta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Harvey Elliott. Another player who can fill that role is Fábio Carvalho.
Alternately, Liverpool must focus more on Tyler Morton if Klopp is unwilling to bring Henderson back permanently, utilizing the preseason as an intensive immersion into the position of backup defensive midfielder. This sounds like a less appealing option, but whatever the strategy, it must be made explicit for the upcoming 30 days and beyond.
3. Agreements
Liverpool may have exhausted its transfer options, but numerous contractual issues need to be settled. Although FSG secured the big one by signing Mohamed Salah, they would prefer to resolve other fates before the start of the season.
There is Keta first. As was already noted, Henderson's long-term Liverpool future influences the situation and any prospective move deeper. Knowing that the Guinean would be around after this season would be beneficial to Klopp and everyone else.
Similar circumstances apply to Oxlade-Chamberlain, though a renewal is much less likely. Although there is a compelling argument for selling him before the season starts and he loses all of his worth, Liverpool may choose to hold onto him past the start of the season.
Even though Joe Gomez's previous contract did not end until 2024, FSG still gave him high priority. Today, a new arrangement was reached that extends the defender's contract until 2027. This was yet another cunning transaction that was completed long before the start of the season.
Liverpool appears to be in a good position to make the most of their remaining time with 30 days to go. Klopp might use it to set up another memorable season.
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