Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is puzzled by the old-age jibe at his squad
Speaking ahead of the game against Leeds United, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp does not feel that the age of the squad has led to them performing badly this season.
In his justification, the German quickly referenced that more or less a similar squad almost won the quadruple last season.
Such has been the fall from grace that the same side is nowhere near what it used to be last season. Some of the players look physically spent every time they take the field for a competitive game.
But, Klopp thinks otherwise. Here’s what he said (h/t Liverpool Echo):
“We have not the youngest squad, we know, but we have lots of young players as well.
“We built a team over the years, we were successful, and last season we almost won the quadruple – as close as you can get.
“A lot of the things we achieved is based on the experience the boys had together – one year later we are not great. Everybody tells us, ‘you’re too old, we knew that already’. Ah, you knew it? Great’.”
We cannot say we agree with this to be honest. Liverpool have the fourth-oldest average age of the squad in the Premier League this season (Transfermarkt). If you look at the performances, it shows that they are becoming old and physically out of their depth.
Some of the young players we have are too young. Stefan Bajcetic (18) and Harvey Elliott (20) have played a lot of football, but they lack experience. Curtis Jones (22) is a curious case who just doesn’t seem ready despite making his senior league debut during the 2019/20 season.
To get back to their best, the recruitment in the summer must focus on adding quality and decreasing the average age of the squad, especially in the midfield department.
After pulling out from the Jude Bellingham transfer due to the cost involved, the recruitment team needs to find three top midfielders who are ready to impact next season and also have a higher ceiling for years to come.
More Liverpool News:
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- Conor Gallagher determined to stay in London amidst Liverpool links
- Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane wants Liverpool return
We hope the things Klopp has said are just to protect the sanctity of the squad till the end of this season. He must know this is not the right age profile for a squad to win things, especially when they have been playing his brand of football for so many years together.
