1. Lack of squad depth
Even when Liverpool were flying earlier in the season, it was pretty much the same starting XI that did the damage. Even now, it feels like if the same XI was present and fully fit, then the team would be okay.
But that’s unrealistic in a packed Premier League season. Players are going to pick up injuries and suspensions. And then there’s the Africa Cup of Nations plonked in the middle of the season too. Although everybody knew and expected this.
Jurgen Klopp has chosen to rotate his squad in domestic cup games, like most managers do. But Klopp has given a lot of kids the chance to play, not necessarily seasoned backup players. And although that sounds like great news, too many kids probably wont bring you too many wins.
Even in the league, if a player is off form, or if Klopp needs a spark off the bench, the backup situation is pretty bare. In theory, Daniel Sturridge seems like an amazing spark to have in reserve. But it just hasn’t worked out like that.
Liverpool’s squad depth pretty much consists of misfits and young players, and as is now evident, it’s not helping Klopp or offering many alternative options.