Liverpool’s fall from grace has been a captivating watch for the neutral. For the fan, it has no doubt been incredibly painful, with things seemingly going from bad to worse for Jurgen Klopp and his players.
What is behind this incredible capitulation? Is it simply a team that has run its course and is in need of a refreshment? Or is Klopp still traumatised by the agony of last year’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid? Find out here.
Liverpool’s Season So Far
Liverpool were rampant last season. They won both domestic cups while narrowly missing out on claiming the Premier League title and lifting the Champions League trophy. Things couldn’t be more different this year. After 22 games they sit in 8th place with 35 points. They have played 22 games, recording 10 wins, five draws, and seven losses.
Their two opening games resulted in two draws, and their third was a defeat to Manchester United. Further draws with Everton and Brighton and another defeat to Arsenal piled on the pressure, and Jurgen Klopp soon found himself facing the ire of the fans.
It can be difficult to ascertain just what has happened when a previously strong team begins to struggle. Liverpool have certainly been beset by injuries, the midfield is pieced together with ageing players who are limited in their ability to keep up with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
However, many suspect there are deeper problems at Liverpool. Could they still be harbouring the scars of a crushing Champions League final defeat?
The Ghost of Paris
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Liverpool faced the Spanish titans Real Madrid in the Champions League final in May last year. The game was a tense affair, with Liverpool inches away from scoring on numerous occasions. The English side recorded 24 shots on target, but a heroic performance from Real’s Courtois kept them at bay. In comparison, Real hit just four on target, with one from Vinicius Junior hitting the back of the net in the 59th minute.
The game finished 1-0 to Real Madrid. Liverpool left crushed, lamenting what could have been.
Reopening Old Wounds
It might seem melodramatic to suggest that this defeat eight months ago could explain the problems at Liverpool today. However, Real Madrid’s recent visit to Anfield could indicate otherwise. After a bright start for the home side, with goals from Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah putting them ahead by the 14th minute, Madrid pulled back another two to go into the break level.
In the second half, all of Liverpool’s vulnerabilities were laid bare. They were cut open by the opposition seemingly at will, dominated in every area of the pitch and by every conceivable metric. Madrid put another three past Liverpool with no reply, finishing the game 5 – 2 victors in what was the heaviest European defeat in Anfield’s history.
Conclusion
Liverpool are in a crisis. While Real Madrid might not necessarily be the cause of their problems, they’ve certainly exposed them to the world.
