The long wait is finally over for Liverpool fans as the club lifted a top division league title for the first time in 30 years. Of course, that has instantly made Jürgen Klopp and his squad legends at Anfield, and everyone will rightly be enjoying this Premier League success for some time.
However, for the decision-makers at the club, including Klopp, attention must already be on how they retain their title. And, despite the clear distance between the Reds and the chasing pack, it’s going to be a tough challenge.
With Pep Guardiola, a fantastic squad and serious financial backing, Manchester City are always going to be a threat, whilst Manchester United’s wealth and recent improvements suggest they could compete once again. Meanwhile, Chelsea have already made some statement signings, with Hakim Ziyech and particularly Timo Werner two players who can transform the Londoners into genuine contenders.
So, unless Liverpool act quickly they could see themselves falling down the list in terms of favourites when it comes to the Premier League betting odds for next season, although they are currently still second favourites behind Manchester City at 7/4.
Even though this team have been incredible, there are clear weaknesses and the lack of depth is the primary concern. Can Liverpool cope if Virgil van Dijk faced a lengthy spell out? Are they too reliant on Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in the final third? There certainly isn’t anywhere near the same level of quality to replace those individuals if they couldn’t play for whatever reason.
Yet, the one positive that Liverpool have is that they should be in a position where they are the team that everyone wants to join. Delivering a Champions League and then the Premier League in consecutive seasons is further proof that Klopp is one of the best managers in the planet and his personality, combined with that winning mentality, ensures players are desperate to play for him.
As well as that, shrewd moves off the field have allowed the club to compete with Manchester United in terms of revenue and Liverpool are now flourishing in that sense – meaning they can pay the wages and fees that the elite players will demand.
📍 Anfield
— Liverpool FC (Premier League Champions 🏆) (@LFC) June 24, 2020
When you throw in the famous old stadium, a new training ground on the horizon and the history that the club has, it’s no exaggeration to say that Liverpool are one of the most powerful clubs in the world right now.
But, they need to capitalise on that by backing Klopp in the market to ensure that they have the depth that will be needed to compete in Europe and domestically next season. Importantly, wholesale changes won’t be called for, as the core of this squad are entering their peaks years, so it’s simply a case of adding in two or three positions.
If they can do that, and their recent history in the transfer market should encourage the supporters, Klopp could be set for the long-term and Liverpool will be in a position to dominate in England for the years to come – as they have done in the past.