I understand there was an international competition recently, meaning we couldn’t talk to our soon to be out of contract players, two, in fact, but this is negligence of the highest order. It is bad enough that Liverpool FC allowed Trent, Salah and Van Dijk’s contract to run until a year is left, but now we have a week to sort out the Gomez situation and a number of other positions in need of improvement.
The contract situation is the worst offender. Even before Hughes came in, we should have sorted these contracts and come to a decision in regards to extension or selling. To let these 3 go on frees would be criminal, but that is now a possibility. I still believe Trent will stay, but I am not sure about the other two.
We had more than enough time to sort it, regardless of the situation happening with the Sporting Director role, once they were hired, it should have been their first act. We waited, and waited, and now we find ourselves with the window closing imminently. This is the worst time to buy players too because every players evaluation goes up. Clubs know that some will be desperate, will pay that much extra to get that player before time runs out. Plus, the selling club then has to buy a replacement of their own, forcing them to act against the clock.
The Gomez situation makes this all so much worse. If we lose him, we lose capable cover all over the defensive line. And our 4th choice centre back. Going into a season with Konate, Quansah and Van Dijk as centre back options is just asking for trouble. Konate can’t stay injury free, Quansah is still developing and needs rotation (Plus he’s picked up a slight niggle, apparently), Van Dijk is resilient, but sooner or later we are going to have to lighten his load, he can’t play our most matches every season and be expected to maintain this into his mid-30’s, considering also he too had an ACL issue a few years ago.
The amount of competitions we will compete in means depth is more essential this season than last. To go from Europa league to Champions League will be a big step. We won’t have the opportunity to blood in youngsters, like we did really well last season. Plus, the new format of the Champions League means we will play more matches (8 instead of 6) at the initial stage, than previous competitions, which is still just barmy to me. Players complain about the number of games they are being forced to play, UEFA assuages these concerns by putting on more matches.
I fear we are weak in a number…
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