With so much at stake in the Premier League this season, it was believed that Jurgen Klopp would have his side challenging for the title. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone according to plan and it is a tricky situation for the manager now.
Former captain Paul Ince believes that Klopp is at crossroads now and that he has to prioritise between the Premier League and the Champions League. Ince feels that the Reds have stagnated this season and believes that the side has the potential to get into the top four, but questions whether they are capable of achieving that. (Liverpool Echo)
“This year, Liverpool have stagnated. I don’t think they’re at the level they should be, or would have expected them to be, looking back at last year.
“I hate saying it, as a former Liverpool player, but I never thought they would have a chance at the title this year – and, seeing their performances so far, it’s obvious that was true.”
Ahead of the 18th round of matches, Liverpool stand 5th in the table with 31 points. Our chances of winning the title are far gone.
It has been a difficult week for the Reds with the side picking up just two points from their last two games. An unlucky derby draw against Everton was followed by a draw against West Brom and suddenly the side looks a bit ruffled in the top-four race!
Ince thinks that the top three positions this year are almost fixed, with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea way ahead of the competition.
“Klopp is a fantastic manager and it’s easy to appreciate why he might be feeling frustrated with his players,” Ince said.
“Now is his time to decide – do I put all of my eggs in one basket and focus on the Champions League, or is it about getting into the top four?”
Liverpool and Tottenham are stuck on same points, but Chelsea are just 4 points ahead. This means that Liverpool have a good chance of making a dash at Chelsea and making life difficult for them. United are 7 clear of Liverpool and although I hate the thought of it, we may not be able to catch them.
That leaves us with the choice of prioritising Premier League over Champions League or vice-versa. With matches piling up once the new year comes, Klopp will have to make a choice. I believe that he would make top-four a priority because that is more achievable.
