After seeing their team surrender four goals against Bayern Munich, Liverpool fans have demanded the sale of two players.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 4-3 by the German champions in an exciting pre-season match that highlighted some of last season’s defensive flaws.
That was not lost on Reds fans, who have already watched their team surrender 10 goals in only four preseason games ahead of a Premier League campaign that begins on August 13 with a trip to Stamford Bridge.
Among all the names listed by fans in the aftermath of Wednesday’s defeat, defenders Joel Matip and Joe Gomez garnered the most criticism from worried Reds.
‘Shift Matip and Gomez and get three defenders,’ one Twitter user suggested. ‘We desperately need two midfielders and a defender who knows how to defend since Gomez and Matip are both terrible,’ stated another.
‘That was a good game,’ said a third. ‘Liverpool require a great defender or two.. Matip and Gomez, in my opinion, should be moved on.’
While almost all of the discussion in this transfer window has been on the need for midfield reinforcements, Jurgen Klopp’s team has battled for at least a year to deny their opponents chances on goal.
Last season, Liverpool faced a total of 103 huge chances in the league, ranking third in the division and trailing only Fulham and Leeds, both of whom faced 112.
This equated to 2.95 huge chances per 90. Manchester City led this measure with 1.29, followed by Newcastle with 1.34 and Manchester United with 1.63.
Matip, who is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, appeared in just 14 Premier League games last season, while Gomez appeared in 31 games across all competitions.
Following Wednesday’s setback, in which neither defender played more than 45 minutes, the duo were chastised for their performances, with some supporters even doubting how Klopp’s team can finish in the top four without new signings.
‘Matip and Gomez should not be in the first team,’ another fan remarked on social media. ‘Horrible performance throughout the preseason. Liverpool must take action and sell them. If Ibou or Virgil get wounded, it will be a nightmare.’
‘We’ll be lucky to finish in the top four if we don’t bring in two sitting sixes, a centre half, and a capable right back to replace Trent,’ added another. At Liverpool, Gomez and Matip have outlived their usefulness.’
‘Matip should have been sold this year,’ one fan suggested. Another agreed-upon piece of writing: ‘I need a DM and a CB as soon as possible.. Matip has completed his work.’
Due to construction on the Anfield Road end of the club’s historic ground, Liverpool’s final pre-season game will be played at Preston’s Deepdale Stadium.
On August 7, the team will meet recently promoted Bundesliga side Darmstadt.
