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| Arne Slot will begin his Liverpool career officially on the 1st of June, how well will he fare on the job? (Photo credit: Sky Sports) |
Liverpool fans were in six and sevens throughout the just-concluded season, but they couldn’t come to terms with the fact that their energetic manager, the big, friendly German, will no longer be in charge at the club.
Beyond Jurgen Klopp's departure, their lofty dreams came crashing into their faces. They lost out in the FA Cup to Manchester United in the quarterfinals from a winning position, got embarrassed at home by Atalanta in the Europa League, and fell off the title race in the league in April.
While many attributed their league collapse to the announcement of Jurgen Klopp’s departure, many thought the same was going to be the motivation to soar higher and exit their manager in style; it was such an anticlimactic end to his reigns.
He will go down as a club legend at Anfield after winning one Premier League title, one Champions League title, a couple of FA and Carabao cups, and a Club World Cup in just nine years.
Liverpool finished the Premier League season with 82 points, seven behind Arsenal and nine behind the champions. It’s also worthy to note that the Kops once failed to win the league, having amassed 98 points, which must explain how tired Klopp is.
With Klopp gone, the club has installed the heir to his throne, another energetic man in Arne Slot of Feyernoord. It’s a brave approach in a window where the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Xavi Hernandes, Max Allegri, Roberto Di Zerbi, and Thomas Tuchel are available.
Feyernoord finished second in the Dutch Eredivisie; they gave their all, which must be why Liverpool thinks he will do a good job as Klopp’s successor. It’s an approach that could swing either way, but the club must be patient with him.
The club needs to resolve contract issues. The future of Mohammed Salah is crucial to Liverpool's attack; will he remain with the team next season? We must also improve the defensive stability that Van Dijk provided. With Joel Matip gone, Quansah has proven to be important, but he needs experience.
The midfield is lightweight; Liverpool must invest in a midfield workhorse to compete with what Arsenal and Manchester City have. Chelsea also has Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo; Liverpool must level up when the window opens.
The expectations for Liverpool next season are to compete for the league title, fight for domestic cups, and advance to the quarterfinals at least in the Champions League. Will they measure up with their new manager? Time will tell.