This summer represents Jurgen Klopp’s first real opportunity to develop his Liverpool side in his own image, and it appears that he has had a busy summer, with no less than 7 new players part of the first team fold.
The Anfield fan favourite has already endeared himself to the Liverpool fans, and with a successful development season behind him, he will no doubt be looking to push his side up the table in the 2016/17 campaign.
Bringing in new talent is of course a vitally important part of the process, but Jurgen Klopp still has a lot to do in order to make Liverpool great again.
With the Premier League season less than two weeks away, time is running out for the Liverpool boss.
With that, here are THREE things that Jurgen Klopp MUST do to turn Liverpool in to title contenders
Defensive Improvements
Jurgen Klopp has already gone a long way to solving this issue, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
Loris Karius is a great signing, and he could find himself between the sticks for Liverpool for the best part of a decade if things work out.
Similarly, Joel Matip looks a good player, and he will likely step into the shoes of Martin Skrtel without too many issues. However, issues still lie in the form of the left back slot, and the other central defender in the Liverpool back line.
Much has been made about the defensive frailty of Alberto Moreno, and if reports are to be believed, Klopp is working on signing a new left back. Joel Matip’s centre back partner however has a less clear future however, with both Sakho and Lovren not reliable enough for a sustained title challenge.
In short, Klopp MUST look to sign a left back and at least one new reliable defender, otherwise Liverpool will continue to concede far too many goals.
Defensive Aerial Frailty
Last season in particular this was a real weak spot for Liverpool, and it ended up costing them a number of goals and in turn lead to the side dropping a number of points.
Liverpool fans could hardly watch every time a corner or a threatening free kick was put into the box, as there was always a pretty decent change that the side would concede.
This does, in large part, have a lot to do with their defensive frailties, but it goes even further than that.
Set piece defence must be a priority for Klopp in training and he must place an emphasis on how important it is, otherwise the side will continue to fall to late goals and defeats – and that will cost them a title challenge.
Quality Strike Force
Defence is very important; but Liverpool also have a number of issues going forward.
A major part of Liverpool’s title challenge in 2014 came from the front, with both Daniel Sturbridge and Luis Suarez dominating opposition defences and scoring goals almost every game.
Since Luis Suarez’s departure, the side have failed to replace him adequately. Numerous stars including Balotelli and Benteke have been brought in – but both are now set for the exit door this summer.
Having a great strike force is the difference between a good side and a great side, and Liverpool MUST be great to have any chance of competing for the title this season.
Daniel Sturridge must stay fit first and foremost, and then Liverpool must look to find his Suarez. Sadio Mane has the explosive pace and quality technical that is necessary, but Klopp must find a solution to Liverpool’s goal draught.
