CHRIS SUTTON: Gakpo wasn’t what they needed in January, uncertainty off the pitch isn’t helping and what has happened to Mo Salah? Sorry, Jurgen, here’s why Liverpool’s season has been a mess
- Liverpool are 10th in the Premier League table and look way off the pace
- Cody Gakpo’s signing was a waste – the midfield needed fixing as a priority
- Mohamed Salah has been poor while Virgil van Dijk has been a big miss
After nearly winning the quadruple last season, Liverpool have faltered badly this time around, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League table and look a shadow of their former selves.
Sportsmail’s Chris Sutton has had a look at why the 2022-23 season has been a mess for Jurgen Klopp‘s side.
Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo in January. Nice player, but it was the midfield that needed addressing. Liverpool’s lack of control in midfield has been a major issue. And yet Klopp and Co did not fix the problem last month.
What has happened to Mohamed Salah? Once a Fantasy Football banker, he has not scored or assisted a goal in the Premier League since Boxing Day. He embodies Liverpool’s confidence crisis.
Virgil van Dijk has been a big miss. He has not been outstanding this season but is still the best they have and Joel Matip was found out by Wolves. When your leader is missing, you have to show you can handle yourself.
Star forward Mohamed Salah has been way off the pace in Liverpool colours this season
The injured Virgil van Dijk has been a big miss in recent games, but he is nearing a return
For so long, Klopp had nothing but praise lavished on him. But now he is being asked awkward questions. Klopp clashed with a reporter in his post-Wolves press conference. He is letting himself be side-tracked by outside noise.
We’re not surprised when Liverpool are beaten by Wolves, by Brentford, by Brighton (twice) any more. They are losing because of bad performances and that’s alarming. Klopp’s philosophy is masterful when in full flow but it’s not working and I’m not sure he has a Plan B.
The uncertainty over the club’s ownership and over the manager is not helping. It is a mess off the pitch and that is leaking on to it.
Jurgen Klopp has been left scratching his head for a solution to the Reds’…