28 Feb 2017 11:11:46
We’re on the verge of having the most ridiculous season of two halves. After 19 games we were averaging 2.3 points per game, our defence was average conceding 1.1 goals a game but this was more than made up for by our stellar scoring record of 2.4 goals a game. After the City game we were out on our own in second and, although we were 6 points behind Chelsea that was more a reflection of Chelsea’s stellar season than any shortcomings we had. Then we just fell apart.
In 2017 we have played 7 league games winning just once. Our points per game has dropped to 0.9 (literally relegation form), our defence has imploded conceding 1.7 a game and this has been compounded by the goals drying up (we’re scored just 1.3 goals a game this year) . There are a few mitigating factors, Lovren’s injury and Mane’s African cup adventure are the obvious ones, but nothing that comes close to explaining such a dramatic loss of form.
Looking at these numbers it has occurred to me that there are big echoes of the 14-15 season right now. We tend to forget that we went through three very specific phases that season. We started badly and only managed 14 points in our first 12 games. We then went through a stunning run of 17 games where we racked up 40 points before imploding for the last 9 adding just 8 more points. For those who scoff at this comparison know that if we don’t win 2 out of our next 3 games we will fall below Rodgers points tally at the same point of that season.
Rodgers’ team imploded after teams figured out the weakness in his three man defence, Klopp’s team has imploded after teams have worked out how to nullify his high press. Rodgers never again managed to get the team playing well and it cost him his job. Klopp is not close to the sack but if he can’t find a way to improve the team’s form then he will go into next season under immense pressure. FSG backed Rodgers heavily in Summer 15 and received little for their investment, they may be hesitant to do the same again for Klopp if there’s no sign of improvement between now and May.
Make no mistake, for the first time Klopp’s future is not assured, he was supposed to be a big upgrade on Rodgers but, whilst performances have improved, results have not. The next three months are going to be a huge challenge for him, fix the problems and qualify for the CL and this blip will be forgotten, slip out of the top 6 and he will be clinging on for dear life.

1.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 12:38:38
We have 4 home games in the next 5. Vitality important that you guys that can make the games, channel all your frustrations into support for whoever wears the red shirt.
I am too far away to go but will get up in the middle of the night and will risk the wrath of the wife if I'm in another bad mood. So for the sake of my marital harmony, LIverpool, put that ball in the back of net, defend like your lives depended on it and give us red fans a weekend where we love watching the highlights, love staring at the league table hypothesising and can have a week off from posting on this banter page.

2.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 14:32:53
The players know they won't win the league this season now so are not putting in the effort anymore.

3.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 14:22:31
Klopp has had 3 windows already and had 2 CM's in that back 4 yesterday. Someone is at blame, not FSG.
The worst part is this will give a good go for the supporters at FSG. They will rip FSG into pieces if they don't spend heavily on the summer.

4.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 14:40:51
Someone has to explain to me why Gomez is touted as the next Carra when he isn't getting ahead of Lucas who is certain to move in summer? I mean how dumb is that? Playing a sure certain departure and benching a future star who need games.

Does Klopp actually rate Gomez?

5.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 15:35:28
The difference between Carra and Gomez is age. Its pretty rare for 19 year old to be a go to starter. Also, you are forgetting that Lucas has been much lauded in his makeshift CB role over his last few performances. He had a bad, bad night, as did a number of our players and our manager too.

I'm still gutted, but not prepared to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

{Ed025's Note - im afraid some of that bathwater does need throwing out zeddicus, its contaminating the clean water and making the cohesion of the side very muddy indeed mate..

6.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 16:34:17
Would agree with the bathwater, 25, but I'd like to hang on to the baby (i. e. Klopp)!

{Ed025's Note - i still firmly believe klopp is the man zeddicus, but he will need time to sort out some of this under performing mess that are these players, i just hope hes given time or its back to square one mate..

7.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 17:43:36
" i just hope he's given time or its back to square one mate"

Amen.

8.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 17:55:52
Zeddicus

I agree your views on the age factor. But you do realize we don't send players on loan, nor we play them at Liverpool. Klopp is already famous for late subs which means there no minutes for these players. How are they ever going to show thier potential? A 30 year old Midfielder at the back ahead of a young 19 year old actual CB?

How is Davies starting regularly at Everton? 18 years ain't he? Established CM there.

9.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 17:50:37
The only problem really is the fans expectations. They have been raised by a manager who has taken a decidedly average bunch and turned them into world beaters for half a season at least. Sadly the complacency that one gets from rewarding players for achieving absolutely nothing has become a problem on top of the lack or real depth in the squad as january proved.

Klopp has not helped himself by playing players out of position or out of form players instead of trusing in one or two youngsters who will have greater desire to prove themeselves. One such example is stewart who is the natural understudy to henderson who was injured. Or Taa for clyne who has been woeful for a month or two. But alas he is on a double edged sword, because if they come in and don't perform he still gets criticised but i would respect him more for making those hard decisions.

Ultimately its still just a game and no one has died so we just need a little perspective here. Klopp will need to shop in the leadership store in the summer if he really wants to win anything with this group though. You get it from hendo but i was not surprised by last nights result when i heard the news he was out. A couple of players with the strength of character to lift the heads of people around them when it gets a little bit tough for the poor wee dears lol.

10.) 28 Feb 2017
28 Feb 2017 20:19:08
More importantly, Gomez has not long returned from an ACL injury, in case you've been under a rock.
Klopp is handling him perfectly, in order to sustain his long term career and he's called out for it? Absolute joke!
Also, when Milner was performing brilliantly and Lucas was lauded for his displays at CB, Klopp was hailed a genius for his foresight to change their positions.
Now he's "playing 2 midfielders out of position? " What, like he's done all season?
Swear to God, some of you have got shorter memories than Dory!