The season is coming to an end and it is time we discuss the positives of this season. The season has been one of rebuilding and here are three key takeaways from the season.
Silverware beckons Liverpool
In his first season as Liverpool’s head coach, Jürgen Klopp has led Liverpool to two finals, the League Cup and the Europa League. This shows that the silverware crisis that Liverpool has faced over the past few seasons could end. Liverpool lost to Manchester City in the League Cup final on penalties, but reaching the final itself was a major boost to the players’ and fans’ spirits in an average season. Also, it has given a new hope to the people linked with this club that a major trophy is not far away. With the Europa League final still to be played there is a chance of silverware.
Player improvement
Another major positive this season has been the improvement of certain players who underperformed under Brendan Rodgers. Klopp has given these players a new life at Liverpool. The players who have vastly improved are Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Emre Can and Joe Allen. Adam Lallana was a waste during Rodgers’ time, but Klopp has utilized him very well and it was his best season in Liverpool colours. Dejan Lovren is another player whose performance has been remarkable this season. His partnership with Mammadou Sakho has helped solve Liverpool’s defensive issues to a certain extent. Emre Can has been the boss of Liverpool’s midfield. He has provided stability and his tackle success rate is phenomenal. Joe Allen could never prove himself under Brendan Rodgers, but in the past few months he has shown his worth.
Tactical Improvement
The Diamond formation worked wonders for Rodgers in the 2013-14 season when Luis Suarez was at his best. But after Suarez’s move to Barcelona, Rodgers did not have a steady formation and he kept on varying it. Jürgen Klopp has a steady formation for his team and the players are getting a hang of it. He has provided a tactical stability and the 4-2-3-1 formation has given good results. The Gegenpressing is working well for Liverpool with the opposition players giving away possession in dangerous areas. Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana and Milner have been the best attacking players for Liverpool and they have demonstrated the Gegenpressing well.
Liverpool have shown glimpses of what they can be under Jürgen Klopp and are expected to be title contenders next season.
