Another season is behind us and it’s time to reflect on how Jurgen Klopp’s men faired in 2020/21.
Liverpool went into the 2020/21 season full of optimism having just won the Premier League title following an unforgettable 2019/20 campaign. Expectations were understandably high and fans were anticipating another trophy-laden season.
Things started well and Liverpool looked like they’d once again be challenging for the title as they sat top of the table at Christmas. However, nobody could foresee the dramatic collapse that happened in the New Year.
By March Liverpool had dropped all the way down to eighth after losing four out of five league games and were facing a huge battle just to finish in the top four.
Liverpool had crashed out of both domestic cups at the fourth round stage and were beaten by Real Madrid 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, so all of a sudden it was turning into a nightmare campaign.
However, Klopp’s men rediscovered their form and went on a superb run that saw them win eight of their last 10 Premier League matches to clinch a Champions League place on the final day of the season.
Leicester’s collapse certainly helped but the way Liverpool dug deep to grind out wins when they needed too showed great character. Alisson’s dramatic late winner against West Brom epitomised his squad’s attitude during the final few weeks of the campaign.
No silverware, but Champions League secured
So Liverpool ended a turbulent 2020/21 season without silverware but still have Champions League football to look forward next season. The big question is how the players respond to this disappointing campaign and come back stronger next year.
As it stands, Manchester City are the odds-on favourites to win the Premier League next season with Liverpool priced at 5/1 with 22bet.com to reclaim the title. Chelsea can also be backed at around 5/1 with many bookmakers while Manchester United are available at 8/1.
No doubt it will be the usual suspects next season but Liverpool look good value at 5/1. We cannot forget the injury problems Klopp faced this season and it’s hard to see the Reds being crippled in the same way next term.
No team could cope with losing so many important players to long-term injuries. If the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Jordan Henderson can stay fit next year you wouldn’t bet against Liverpool being right in the mix for the title in May ’22.
Klopp is also expected to strengthen his squad this summer and a couple of top-class additions could make all the difference next term. It’s also vital that Liverpool keep hold of the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, while a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum needs to be found.
It’s going to be an important few months as Klopp looks to get the Liverpool squad back in a position to challenge on all fronts next season following a frustrating 2020/21 campaign.
