Liverpool have been warned they could become England’s next big sleeping giant.
Ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season, the Reds are facing a period of major transition, including CEO of Football Michael Edwards returning to the club and being expected to appoint Feyenoord’s Arne Slot as the German’s successor.
Michael Edwards told to ‘get it right’ at Liverpool
And although every club goes through transitional periods, the inevitable changes ahead are a worry for former attacker Stan Collymore, who believes Edwards must ‘get it right’ and ‘support the new manager big time’, if the Merseyside giants are to remain a competitive force.
“Liverpool haven’t been good enough in key positions this season,” he said in an exclusive interview.
“Darwin Nunez has been wasteful and the questions about him and Cody Gakpo being good enough for Liverpool won’t go away. The only player that’s been a resounding success is Alexis Mac Allister — he’s had a stunning season.
“And then there’s the slightly concerning Mo Salah vs Klopp situation. A frustrated player venting off steam? Or a bigger-than-the-club type whose influence will grow when the manager goes just as his star will naturally decline? — One thing’s for sure, Michael Edwards is going to have to get it right and earn his corn this summer and support the new manager big time.
“And, with a potentially rejuvenated Man United with Spurs, Aston Villa Villa, West Ham and Newcastle champing at the bit to get top-four, Chelsea’s young pups coming good, and Arsenal becoming Man City’s new big rivals, could a drop off for many years to come be on the cards for Liverpool? — I think it’s very possible.”
Klopp’s legacy sealed despite disappointing season
Although the Reds lifted the Carabao Cup earlier this season, they disappointed in the FA Cup and Europa League before conceding the race for the title with Arsenal and Manchester City going head-to-head with just three, and four, games, left to play, respectively.
Consequently, Klopp will leave Merseyside with just the one extra piece of silverware — a disappointing campaign overall.
Nevertheless, the German’s presence in the Anfield dugout over the past nine years cannot be underestimated. The 56-year-old has guided the club to seven major trophies including the 2018-19 Champions League and 2019-20 Premier League.