Liverpool are doing a very good job of competing with their rivals on the pitch. The trouble is, they seem incapable of beating the teams they should beat. Too often caught with an inevitable sucker punch and found embarrassingly open defensively, Jurgen Klopp’s side are slipping into the unwanted territory of sixth place.Defeat to Leicester on Monday epitomised Liverpool this season. Having swept Tottenham aside last time out, the Merseyside giants were inept for much of the match against the relegation battling champions. Klopp did not adapt his game plan and, just as Swansea and Hull have in the last few weeks, Leicester took full advantage. A high line with full-backs advanced gave acres of space for an electric Jamie Vardy, while insufficient protection for Lucas Leiva made Leicester’s victory an inevitability.Teams that will sit deep in their own half, even their own box, absorb pressure and spring direct counter-attacks have been the bane of Liverpool this season. Klopp’s decision not to change his setup has cost his side on several occasions, but the bigger picture is that Liverpool are without a plan B. Crosses were launched into the Leicester box on numerous occasions at the King Power Stadium, they were aimless, particularly with Roberto Firmino leading the line against the physical duo of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth.Against the top sides, however, Liverpool boast a strong record this season. Their direct rivals in the league table have been more open against them and less willing to relinquish possession. As a result, their intense pressing has been effective (just ask Ben Davies) and there has been space for Firmino and Sadio Mane to attack.It has been their form against the top teams that has kept them even in contention for the top four. Their only notable results since Christmas have been victories over Tottenham and Manchester City and a draw with Manchester United. Other than that, Liverpool’s form has been catastrophic. One win in seven league matches and with Manchester United likely to knock them down to sixth in the table has had Klopp facing criticism.
Understandably so, perhaps. This downturn in Liverpool’s form has been so dramatic it raises questions about Klopp’s management. The cheery German is yet to really adapt his side or find a way to minimise the impact of their weaknesses. Some of this is down to the obvious limitations in his squad – especially the glaring need for a left-back and central defender – but his tactics have not differed.
A fifth or sixth place finish would be no disaster for Liverpool this season. Their current performances and lack of change when things are going badly wrong is a severe concern, however. Their continued contention for a top four berth is solely on the back of their form against the top sides and that is unlikely to be sustainable. Offensively they have lost their way and defensively affairs are only getting worse.
The league table should not put Klopp under pressure, but the current trajectory of his team’s performances does. Liverpool must find an alternative way to play when teams sit deep without exposing themselves defensively. This summer will be a significant one for Liverpool, failure to recruit properly again could see the end of Klopp.
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