How Liverpool can become Premier League title contenders next season
Having missed out on Champions League qualification and failed to lift any major silverware last season, Liverpool will be eager for a more fruitful campaign in 2023-24.
But with Manchester City having completed an incredible treble, Newcastle United possessing seemingly unlimited funds for new signings, and Arsenal and Manchester United both on positive trajectories under exciting, talented head coaches, it won’t be an easy feat.
However, poor fortune played a big role in the Reds’ underwhelming campaign. Injuries and a lack of transfer activity meant their squad was often missing key figures – Mohamed Salah was the only one to appear in all 38 of their Premier League games.
They ended the season on an 11-game unbeaten run, though, so they could well be fighting for the title once again with a few tweaks.
Is Klopp still the right man for the job?
Jurgen Klopp signed a contract extension last year with the intention of overseeing the club’s rebuild.
Following the 4-4 draw with Southampton on the final day of the season, he was adamant that his team would be in contention for the title next year.
“Imagine we were our normal self, which we absolutely will be again next season, and will be a contender again. That’s how is it. The last 11 games helped us to realise that again,” said Klopp.
It would be a brave, bold and brash choice to replace him – particularly when there are very few potential successors of sufficient quality available.
Who will he be relying upon?
Salah remains the undoubted star for Liverpool, but more will be expected of club-record signing Darwin Nunez after he managed just 14 goals in 41 games in his debut Reds campaign. The need for him to step up is even greater with Roberto Firmino leaving the club.
With James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur also heading for the exit, Jordan Henderson is going to be more important than ever in the centre of midfield.
Virgil van Dijk remains a central figure for Klopp despite a disappointing 2022-23 that saw him come under fire for his displays. If the Dutchman rediscovers his best form, Liverpool will be far harder to score against and defeat.
What signings could help?
World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has already been drafted in for a reported £35 million to bolster and rejuvenate the midfield. Nicolo Barella, Ryan Gravenberch, Khephren Thuram, Gabri Veiga and Manu Kone have all also been linked.
Eberechi Eze and Bradley Barcola could be brought in to provide more forward options. But with Luis Diaz back from injury and Cody Gakpo having made a strong start following his January arrival from PSV, such a move would be by no means necessary.
In conclusion…
By keeping the faith with Klopp and strengthening the midfield with some exciting young players, a Premier League title challenge c
