Liverpool went into the World Cup break in sixth place in the Premier League table, 15 points behind leaders Arsenal. Although their form did pick up just before the pause in the domestic season, it’s not how manager Jurgen Klopp would have anticipated his side beginning their campaign.
Klopp has been at Liverpool since 2015 and could this latest blip lead to the German walking away from the Merseyside club? We’ve analyzed the possibility of that happening this season and what has been behind their poor start to the campaign.
Klopp Has Reiterated He Remains Committed
Tonight marks Jürgen Klopp’s 400th game in charge, making him only the fourth Reds boss to reach the milestone pic.twitter.com/h5YHXlIUX5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 1, 2022
The German manager is already one of Liverpool’s most successful managers in their history. He guided them to their first league title since 1990 when his side lifted the Premier League trophy in 2020, while he has been in three Champions League finals with the Reds, winning one and losing two.
Klopp signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool back in April which keeps him at the club until 2026. When asked about his future at various points this season, he has said he remains committed to the club.
This latest spell in his career is the longest Klopp has been at a club. He has now been in charge for over 400 games with Liverpool. He has an impressive 61% winning rate, which is higher than what he ended his spells at Mainz and Dortmund with.
Even if Liverpool fails to win a trophy this season, and finishes outside the top four in the Premier League, it’s unlikely that the club’s owners will look to seek a change. Klopp has enough credit in the bank for what he has achieved over the last seven years so make them want to stick with him for at least another season.
Loss of Sadio Mane
One of the reasons for Liverpool’s slump this season could be down to the loss of Sadio Mane back in the summer. The Senegal international opted to join Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, as he was looking for a new challenge in his career.
Mane scored 120 goals in 269 appearances for Liverpool. He was a key part of their success domestically and in Europe over the last few years. The 30-year-old contributed towards one of the best front threes in world football when he played alongside Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Think it’s best I put my heart on ice pic.twitter.com/j2FJCyuWdP
— Sadio Mané (@TheSadioMane) November 17, 2022
The 30-year-old has made a good start to his career at Bayern as he has scored 11 goals in his opening 23 games in all competitions for the German side. He was set to feature at the 2022 FIFA World Cup for Senegal, but he picked up an injury on the eve of the tournament. That was a big blow to the African nation. As of the 19th of November, they are now 150/1 in the World Cup betting markets to lift the trophy without the help of their star forward.
Mane’s exit has given other players in Klopp’s squad, such as Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, the chance the impress in the team. The former has done that, as he has found the back of the net four times so far in the campaign.
Season Could Still Be Successful
Although Liverpool is a long way behind Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League title race, this season may still end as a successful one for Klopp’s side. Their primary focus in the league will be to ensure they finish in the top four.
Liverpool has made it through to the last 16 of the Champions League. They finished second in their group behind Napoli. The English club will now face Real Madrid over two legs in what is a repeat of last season’s final.
Klopp’s men also still have two opportunities to win silverware in the domestic cup competitions They have been drawn against Manchester City in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, while in the FA Cup, their campaign begins in January in the third round.
The January transfer window will allow Klopp to add to his squad if he feels the need to do so. Liverpool has made some big signings in January over the last few years, so another marquee transfer cannot be ruled out.
Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool has already been cemented by the achievements he has made. However, the German will be determined to add to that before his time at Anfield comes to an end.