Liverpool’s journey under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield has been nothing short of remarkable. The German manager has left an indelible mark on the club, winning numerous trophies and creating a legacy that will reverberate for generations. However, if we indulge in the ‘what if’ game, there are four matches that, if the results were changed, could have led to even greater success for Liverpool.
The first two matches that come to mind are the Champions League finals against Real Madrid. In both the 2017/18 and 2021/22 seasons, Liverpool fell short against the Spanish giants. However, with a twist of fate, these two defeats could have been turned into victories, resulting in three Champions League trophies instead of one. The 2017/18 final loss served as a catalyst for the following season’s triumph, but imagine the glory of back-to-back titles. And in 2021/22, Liverpool was tantalizingly close to a historic quadruple, only to be denied by Real Madrid’s heroics. Changing just two results would have seen Liverpool lift three European Cups instead of one.
Moving to the Premier League, there is one match that stands out as a turning point in Liverpool’s title challenge. In January 2019, Liverpool faced Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. A defeat in this match proved decisive in the title race, with only one point separating the two teams at the end of the season. Roberto Firmino scored a sensational team goal, but Leroy Sane’s winner and John Stones’ clearance off the goal line sealed Liverpool’s fate. If this result had been reversed, Liverpool would have become invincibles and centurions, winning the Premier League without a single defeat. A draw would have been enough for the title, and the dream of a Premier League and Champions League double would have become a reality.
In the 2021/22 season, Liverpool’s title challenge fell agonizingly short once again. With just two defeats throughout the campaign, it is astonishing that even such a remarkable record was not enough for the title. Although there were several games where Liverpool dropped points, one match stands out as a travesty – the 1-0 defeat to Leicester City. At the time of the visit, Leicester was 10th in the table and seemed unlikely to pose a major threat. However, Mohamed Salah’s missed penalty and Ademola Lookman’s goal proved costly for Liverpool. If this result had been altered to a victory, Liverpool would have won the league by two points and completed a treble.
These four matches highlight the fine margins between success and failure in football. Liverpool’s history could have been significantly different if just a few results had gone their way. However, it is worth noting that even in defeat, Klopp’s Liverpool has achieved extraordinary feats and etched their names into the club’s folklore. While we can speculate about alternate realities, we should also appreciate the incredible achievements that have already been accomplished.