Liverpool are not only going strong in England but also abroad following a boisterous Champions League win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. They had strengthened themselves significantly back in the summer in terms of depth, quality as well as squad balance, but are not equipped enough to chase all four competitions (including two domestic cups) similar to Manchester City.
Yet Jurgen Klopp is delighted to have the options he already got in his ranks and ruled out the possibility of another big spending summer irrespective of their achievements upon completion of the ongoing term. The gaffer is keener on keeping hold of his prized resources over recruiting high-profile names highlighting the club’s previous cases of failure in terms of retaining their top-notch individuals.
“I don’t think this is a team at the moment where we have to spend the big money or whatever. The best way to do it brings together a group of players, try to develop them altogether and then stay together for a while.”
Stated the German (as quoted by the Express) while discussing his future objectives as the Liverpool manager.
The Reds splashed out a combined sum of £140m last year on Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker to bolster the backline. They have succeeded in their objective of strengthening the defence whereas Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri, two other recent recruits, have settled in really well in Merseyside.
Although Naby Keita has failed to justify his £48m price-tag since completing a summer swoop from RB Leipzig, Klopp is not at all worried about the midfielder’s form and believes his best is yet to come in Liverpool colours. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to be fully functional again from the next season onwards whereas a scintillating show against Burnley has restored the faith in Adam Lallana.
While Klopp would treat the trio as his ‘new signings’, the supporters must be demanding new signings especially a centre-forward as well as one midfield attacker to succeed Philippe Coutinho. The Reds were close to tying down Nabil Fekir but opted to pull the plug on the deal at the eleventh hour. They never went back for the Frenchman and still miss the presence of a ‘number 10’ against the deep-defensive outfits.
Also, the likely summer exit of Daniel Sturridge upon expiration of his contract would require an outright forward as his alternative to add depth high up the pitch. Divock Origi might move out as well for game-time. Therefore, the pressure would be immense on teenager Rhian Brewster (yet to make his senior debut) as the understudy to Roberto Firmino.
Klopp does not fancy Nathaniel Clyne over Trent Alexander-Arnold and has loaned out his experienced right-back to AFC Bournemouth. Alberto Moreno’s miserable spell at Anfield would come to an end once the season concludes and the gaffer, thus, must eye an inclusion there as well to balance the books.
Liverpool might not snap up big names in the summer but should look for a few useful yet budget signings to restore balance as well as intensity within the squad.
