Liverpool’s Transitional Period Doesn’t Look too Daunting

@TomCunningham75

A year ago, mentioning the phrase ‘post-Klopp era’ was like mentioning Voldemort at Hogwarts. You just didn’t do it. And, if you did, it was only fitting to do so huddled around a camp fire with a flashlight shined on your face and a Sean Dyche-like tone to match the frightening tale. Now, however, albeit still a scary and very depressing thought, the post-Klopp era looks on course to be Liverpool’s easiest transitional period for a long time.

We’re not going from Luis Suarez to Mario Balotelli this time. Again, that’s a story for a camp fire. This time, we’ll be going from Sadio Mane to Luis Diaz. From Roberto Firmino to Diogo Jota; Joel Matip to Ibrahima Konate. The list goes on. And whilst it does, Trent Alexander-Arnold entering what many consider to be prime years will still be around. Not to mention a certain Harvey Elliott. There is simply so much more promise than previous times. What makes everything feel a lot better, too, is the fact that Liverpool seem well aware that a transitional period is on the horizon; they are preparing for it. They have learned from previous mistakes.

In that aforementioned period, there will be more names in the hat for the Premier League title, as it won’t just be Liverpool entering a period of adjustment. The nicely-timed exits of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp (2023 and 2024), will spell the end of their mesmeric battle for the ages, and bring forth fresh heirs to the throne. Clubs will be biding their time, waiting for 2024 to come like vultures ready to swoop in. And Liverpool seem well aware of that. Even without Klopp, the Reds look ready to compete for years to come.

The foundations are being set, and will likely continue to be built in the summer with the potential signing of Fabio Carvalho. The Fulham teenager was the one that got away in January, but where some will panic, those making the decisions at Liverpool, will not. They will be well aware of the importance of snapping Carvalho up, as they knew the importance of securing Elliott when at Fulham. All of a sudden, with Carvalho added, Liverpool’s highly-criticised squad depth has an added tint of youthful exuberance to it, whilst looking much improved.

So, whilst January leaves many feeling blue, Liverpool made sure it was a month of the Reds. Perhaps the most satisfying moment of them all, however, was the form over AFCON. For all of the panic, and worrisome cries of just how Klopp’s side would overcome obstacles without Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Naby Keita, the three return with a trip to Wembley booked and a grand total of zero points dropped in their absence.

Still in every cup competition, and second in the Premier League, having just signed Luis Diaz to further build for the present and future, you’d be forgiven for having a greater sense of optimism as a Liverpool fan after January.

BY TOM CUNNINGHAM