Football Season Guide

Jurgen Klopp’s revival project on Merseyside took its first positive step last season with Liverpool securing a top four finish and now the German specialist is targeting even greater things. Just two weeks before the start of the new season, voting from football writing journalists from all over Europe declared Klopp as the best specialist working in the Premier League and he is definitely a manager who can inspire the Reds to achieve greatness again. In the summer Klopp splashed the cash to bring Mohamed Salah into his squad and the explosive Egyptian will add even more pace and sharpness to the already impressive attack. Liverpool will continue relying on aggressive counter-pressing, constant change of positions and quick passing. If they improve even a little on their showings from last season, they will be serious title contenders. Many forget that back in 2016/17 Liverpool were the only team undefeated in the ten league tests against the other teams that finished in the top six and the Reds definitely mean business. Currently the main question is if Philippe Coutinho will stay at the club. Barcelona made a massive bid for him at the end of July but even if he leaves, Klopp can rely on the likes of Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum to play behind the explosive attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Salah so the Reds should remain one of the most pleasant teams to watch. The signing of Andy Robertson might give more options for James Milner’s use and the experienced player could easily partner captain Jordan Henderson in the midfield pivot. Liverpool’s main concerns remain in defence. This is why their title challenge was lost last season but Klopp is optimistic after seeing both Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan performing much better in the pre-season. They were a bit insecure in their first season in England, but now both of them are expected to do better.