"Liverpool are challengers now"- Pundit reveals why they're a serious threat

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has backed Liverpool as a “serious title contender” after their fantastic start to this season. The Reds beat their arch-rivals Manchester United 0-3 at Old Trafford in a dominating performance before the September international break

Liverpool are also the only club in the Premier League who have not conceded a single goal in the competition. Under the new head coach Arne Slot, the Reds have displayed more efficiency and calmness while maintaining a similar philosophy.

Slot acquired a fantastic squad from Klopp and the Reds management only added attacker Federico Chiesa for the current season. As other clubs strengthened themselves by spending vast money, many pundits and fans on social media downplayed Liverpool’s potential.

A lot of expert opinions highlighted the struggle of other top football clubs after they lost an iconic long-term manager. Klopp’s emotional exit drew comparison with the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson from United and Arsene Wenger’s exit from Arsenal.

Liverpool used the transition period to fix the hierarchy before appointing Slot, a strategy that other clubs failed to implement. While Slot’s philosophy and culture of developing youth is similar to Klopp’s, the Dutchman implements efficiency over heavy-metal football tactics.

Slot has relied on the current squad without making many changes and has still achieved impressive results. The Dutchman will use a rotation policy as the Champions League fixtures are more intense and harder this season.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards highlighted the outstanding depth in the squad that Slot possesses. He said:

“Look what they’ve got from the bench, they’ve just signed Federico Chiesa who I think is outstanding. You’ve got Cody Gakpo who had a brilliant Euros who comes in and runs about. That’s all still to come. I think they are serious now about challenging for the title. The reason I say that is because they seem more disciplined defensively and they’ve got firepower up front. They’re challengers now.”

Klopp revamped the Liverpool midfield last summer while signing Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo in previous windows. These players have spent significant time together to develop chemistry and they are now nearing their peak years.

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Liverpool struggled with an injury crisis last season which was the only factor that they hope Slot can control. If the squad maintains a high level of fitness and consistency, the Reds can muster a strong challenge for major trophies this season.