Last season
A Europa League final cannot be considered a disappointment when it comes to the opening season of Jurgen Klopp, but a lot will rest on the German's ability to improve the club's league form. Since the near-title winning team of 2014, Liverpool have been on a decline, costing Brendan Rodgers his job. Last year was no different, with the Reds managing only an 8th place finish, despite an upturn since Klopp's appointment.
A Europa League final cannot be considered a disappointment when it comes to the opening season of Jurgen Klopp, but a lot will rest on the German's ability to improve the club's league form. Since the near-title winning team of 2014, Liverpool have been on a decline, costing Brendan Rodgers his job. Last year was no different, with the Reds managing only an 8th place finish, despite an upturn since Klopp's appointment.
Backroom setup
Jurgen Klopp takes charge of his first full Premier League season, following huge success in the German league with Borussia Dortmund. He, as well as his coaches, will be looking to stamp his style on the squad, as well as making additions that work within his personal style.
Jurgen Klopp takes charge of his first full Premier League season, following huge success in the German league with Borussia Dortmund. He, as well as his coaches, will be looking to stamp his style on the squad, as well as making additions that work within his personal style.
Pre-season
2016/17 started with a hugely successful tour of the UK, with the Reds winning all four of their pre-season games without conceding a goal. While the argument could certainly be made that the quality of their opposition is questionable, it would no doubt have provided some much-needed confidence ahead of their appearance in the International Champions Cup. Wins against Tranmere Rovers (1-0), Fleetwood Town (5-0), Wigan Athletic (2-0) and Huddersfield Town (2-0) will have been pleasing for Klopp, as well as the form of Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino, with two goals each.
The real challenge began with the later matches, with three games in their seven day stay in the United States. This began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in a tetchy match, which saw a red card for Cesc Fabregas after a horror tackle on new signing Ragnar Klavan. However, the Reds bounced back with a comfortable 2-0 win over AC Milan, with goals from Origi and Firmino, before finishing with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to AS Roma.
However, Liverpool's best performance came in their penultimate pre-season game, as Barcelona visited Wembley Stadium to take on the Reds. However, the Catalans will have left the UK with their tails firmly between their legs, as Liverpool ran riot to win 4-0, setting them up perfectly for their opening league game. While a completely changed 11 lost by the same scoreline to Mainz 24 hours later, I don't see this being a significant bump to their momentum.
2016/17 started with a hugely successful tour of the UK, with the Reds winning all four of their pre-season games without conceding a goal. While the argument could certainly be made that the quality of their opposition is questionable, it would no doubt have provided some much-needed confidence ahead of their appearance in the International Champions Cup. Wins against Tranmere Rovers (1-0), Fleetwood Town (5-0), Wigan Athletic (2-0) and Huddersfield Town (2-0) will have been pleasing for Klopp, as well as the form of Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino, with two goals each.
The real challenge began with the later matches, with three games in their seven day stay in the United States. This began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in a tetchy match, which saw a red card for Cesc Fabregas after a horror tackle on new signing Ragnar Klavan. However, the Reds bounced back with a comfortable 2-0 win over AC Milan, with goals from Origi and Firmino, before finishing with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to AS Roma.
However, Liverpool's best performance came in their penultimate pre-season game, as Barcelona visited Wembley Stadium to take on the Reds. However, the Catalans will have left the UK with their tails firmly between their legs, as Liverpool ran riot to win 4-0, setting them up perfectly for their opening league game. While a completely changed 11 lost by the same scoreline to Mainz 24 hours later, I don't see this being a significant bump to their momentum.
Squad and signings
It's already been a busy summer for Jurgen Klopp, as he looks to stamp his authority on his Liverpool squad. More than £65m has already been spent, with big-money moves for Premier League stars Sadio Mane (£34m) and Georgina Wijnaldum (£25m) from Southampton and Newcastle respectively, while Klopp has also raided the Bundesliga for cheaper buys. Centre-back from Klavan was bought from Augsburg for £4.2m, while Liverpool's goalkeeping options have been expanded with the signings of Loris Karius from Mainz for £4.7m and Alex Manninger for free from Augsburg. Finally, Joel Matip was also brought in from the Bundesliga on a free to complete the defensive lineup.
They have been able to recoup nearly £50m through the sale of a number of their young stars. In particular, Bournemouth shelled out a combined £21m for Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith, while Jerome Sinclair exited for Watford in a £4m deal. On top of that, both Joe Allen and Martin Skrtel were deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, drawing valuations of £13m and £5m respectively.
It's already been a busy summer for Jurgen Klopp, as he looks to stamp his authority on his Liverpool squad. More than £65m has already been spent, with big-money moves for Premier League stars Sadio Mane (£34m) and Georgina Wijnaldum (£25m) from Southampton and Newcastle respectively, while Klopp has also raided the Bundesliga for cheaper buys. Centre-back from Klavan was bought from Augsburg for £4.2m, while Liverpool's goalkeeping options have been expanded with the signings of Loris Karius from Mainz for £4.7m and Alex Manninger for free from Augsburg. Finally, Joel Matip was also brought in from the Bundesliga on a free to complete the defensive lineup.
They have been able to recoup nearly £50m through the sale of a number of their young stars. In particular, Bournemouth shelled out a combined £21m for Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith, while Jerome Sinclair exited for Watford in a £4m deal. On top of that, both Joe Allen and Martin Skrtel were deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, drawing valuations of £13m and £5m respectively.
Tactics
Pass and move is what it's going to be about this year, as Klopp will look to exploit the ability and vision of his midfield players, including James Milner, Phillipe Coutinho Wijnaldum, Henderson and Mane. Expect the Reds to also use width to get Mane and Daniel Sturridge in behind, and Christian Benteke may find himself able to gather a few more goals from crosses.
Pass and move is what it's going to be about this year, as Klopp will look to exploit the ability and vision of his midfield players, including James Milner, Phillipe Coutinho Wijnaldum, Henderson and Mane. Expect the Reds to also use width to get Mane and Daniel Sturridge in behind, and Christian Benteke may find himself able to gather a few more goals from crosses.
Predictions
While Liverpool have the manager to challenge the upper echelons of the division, they do not yet have the squad capable, in my opinion. Their biggest signings have been of mid-table players, paying huge sums, which would seem to indicate their ambitions for this year. They certainly have the potential for the coming years, but this may be yet another 'development' season for the Reds. I do still think they will beat their Merseyside rivals.
Final position: 6th
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