Liverpool’s defense, according to Jurgen Klopp, must improve or they will face’real challenges’ in the new Premier League season.
They surrendered 10 goals in four preseason games, including a 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich. Whether it’s general sloppiness in individual duels, aerial dominance from set-pieces, or tactical flaws, Klopp will have boarded the lengthy journey home from Singapore with more questions than answers.
Of course, pre-season is seldom a true barometer, but the manner in which Liverpool conceded their four goals must have irritated Klopp.
Serge Gnabry took advantage of a huge opening on the Reds’ right flank twice in the first half, scoring once and then running free to set up Leroy Sane.
And it all boils down to the Trent Alexander-Arnold dilemma. As we noted on Wednesday, the Englishman is enjoying his new midfield role and is a joy to see on the ball there — but this has an impact on the backline.
Alexander-Arnold strolls into central areas alongside Curtis Jones from right back, as he did frequently against Bayern. However, he was frequently unable to return to his defensive stance, leaving the three remaining defenders exposed.
It was a similar story in the first half of Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Leicester. At 0-0, Leicester City had three good chances to score, with Ibrahima Konate skipping past twice as he rushed to fill the enormous hole in Liverpool’s defense. Last night, Joel Matip struggled in the first half as well.
‘Trent and Joel need to respond better in the first goal we allowed,’ stated Klopp. ‘They were both standing on both feet. I don’t believe we could have averted the pass.
‘We were about a half-hour into the game and already feeling the intensity. Joe Gomez and Ibou Konate had a similar moment in the second half. It’s not about speed, it’s about awareness; assess the situation since there are no breaks in football.’
Klopp also stated that he saw enough encouraging performances to work with — and it should be noted that pre-season is never a time to panic. It should also be mentioned that some of Bayern’s goals appeared to be offside.
Liverpool were concerned that summer signing Alexis MacAllister had suffered a serious injury after screaming in pain and hobbling off the pitch at the end of the first half, but Klopp played down the midfielder’s knee knock and said he was removed as a precaution after the game.
Another nagging question for Klopp will be who will start in the No. 6 position at Chelsea on the season’s opening weekend. After the unexpected departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones played both Singapore friendlies in the holding role.
In possession, the 22-year-old Liverpool native is a skilled footballer. Jones received the ball facing his own goal on several times and appeared to be about to lose possession, only to wiggle free, spin, and launch an attack.
Is he, though, physically and defensively strong enough to play there in important games? Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies easily sprinted by him at times.
‘Curtis is obviously one of the choices; it’s no secret that we’re searching for new players,’ Klopp remarked this week.
One question that may have been answered in this game against the German champions is who will lead the line against Chelsea.
Cody Gakpo started in the No. 9 position and scored Liverpool’s opening goal in an excellent display that demonstrated why Klopp adores him.
After only two minutes, the Dutchman originated and finished the match’s move when he scooped up the ball on the halfway line, played a swift give-and-go with Diogo Jota, and finished well with his weaker left foot.
Luis Diaz also played well and scored in the second half, and he is another player poised for a great season after a tough season marred by injuries last year. ‘Pre-season is massive for everyone, but especially for Lucho,’ Klopp added of the Colombian.
‘We won’t be as weary as we were today during the season. However, there will be times when you feel the intensity and must make the proper decisions. When you don’t do that, you get penalised. That’s all part of the pre-season routine.
‘Give me another hour, and I’ll look back and view it as a really useful lesson, and I’ll be even happier that we made the mistakes today rather than in 10 days (against Chelsea).’
