The sudden collapse of Liverpool’s season in the past two weeks has raised questions about the root cause of their decline. It is evident that the entire squad has lost form simultaneously, leading to their slow, weak, and blunt performances. The main factor behind this decline can be attributed to the mid-season injury crisis that Liverpool faced.
During this crisis, several players were forced to take on more responsibility due to their teammates’ absence, resulting in exhaustion and a loss of rhythm and sharpness. As a result, missed chances, lost duels, and disappointing performances against Atalanta and Everton have dashed any hopes of securing further trophies.
While the injury crisis cannot be solely blamed for Liverpool’s struggles, it is worth noting that such crises have become a recurring theme in Jurgen Klopp’s tenure. Last season, fitness issues plagued the team, and the same can be said of the forgettable 2020/21 campaign. This raises concerns about whether Klopp’s physical approach is sustainable in the long run and if it is starting to take its toll on the players.
Liverpool’s style of play, characterized by aggressive pressing and high-intensity football, is evident in their tackle statistics. They have averaged three tackles per 90 minutes in their attacking third this season, ranking third in the Premier League. In comparison, Arsenal and Manchester City are not far behind, highlighting the importance of pressing as a tool for top teams. However, Liverpool also rank highly for tackles in the middle third of the pitch, indicating their commitment to winning the ball back aggressively across a larger area.
This intense style of play comes at a cost, as Liverpool’s injury record suggests. They have faced more frequent injury problems than any other title-chasing team. While some injuries can be attributed to unfortunate blows, such as ACL ruptures and knee injuries, repeat muscle problems for players like Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate feel avoidable. This raises the question of whether Liverpool’s next coach should adopt a less aggressive defensive setup.
In considering potential successors to Klopp, Arne Slot has been identified as a continuity candidate whose pressing style aligns with the squad’s philosophy. However, it may be beneficial for the next coach to implement a subtly different approach to pressing, striking a balance between continuity and adapting to avoid injury crises.
In conclusion, the sudden collapse of Liverpool’s season can be attributed to a mid-season injury crisis that has led to fatigue and a loss of form among the players. While injuries cannot be solely blamed, it is worth considering whether Klopp’s aggressive style of play is sustainable in the long term. The next coach should aim for a balance between continuity and a modified approach to pressing to avoid recurring injury problems.