Liverpool’s Two-Team Tactic for Season Climax

February 10, 2024

Strategic Squad Rotation: Navigating Liverpool’s Crucial Stretch

The Klopp Strategy: Dividing Forces for the Final Push

Having already submitted my preview for Burnley’s weekend trip to Anfield, I am now convinced that the time has come to see two separate teams formed within Liverpool’s squad, to successfully take on the four competitions at hand.

The Premier League must be the absolute priority, as to win the title must trump all other ambitions. The EFL Cup final is clearly something that must be targeted with full force, as a single match event that could deliver silverware, whereas the Europa League and FA Cup (especially) must be the events that allow key members of the group to rest in between vital league games.

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The Upcoming Fixture Crunch

Below is the next cluster of games and relevant information, leading to the next international break.

Burnley – Home – Premier League
15.00 – 10th February

Brentford – Away – Premier League
12.30 – 17th February

Luton – Home – Premier League
19.30 – 21st February

Chelsea – Wembley – EFL Cup Final
15.00 – 25th February

Southampton – Home – FA Cup 5th Round
20.00 – 28th February

Nottingham Forest – Away – Premier League
15.00 – 2nd March

TBC – Away – Europa League Knockout Stage
20.00 – 7th March (first leg)

Manchester City – Home – Premier League
15.45 – 10th February

TBC – Away – Europa League Knockout Stage
20.00 – 14th March (second leg)

Everton – Away – Premier League
14.00 – 17th March

Klopp’s Blueprint: Primary vs Secondary Line-Ups

The above represent the ten games that could shape the final season of Liverpool’s esteemed manager, Jürgen Klopp. By taking into consideration the players that are due to return from injury on week commencing 12th February, it would then allow a better idea of how a primary and second side could be formulated by the coaching staff.

There would of course be some deviation and adjustments to suit the varying situations, however, improved squad management must be undertaken in the wake of repetitive muscle-based injuries of late.

Primary Starting Eleven

GK – Alisson Becker
RB – Trent Alexander Arnold
RCB – Ibrahima Konaté
LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)
LB – Andy Robertson
RCM – Curtis Jones
CDM – Alexis Mac Allister
LCM – Dominik Szoboszlai
RF – Mohamed Salah
CF – Darwin Núñez
LF – Diogo Jota

Secondary Starting Eleven

GK – Alisson Becker / Caoimhin Kelleher
RB – Conor Bradley
RCB – Joe Gomez (c)
LCB – Jarell Quansah
LB – Kostas Tsimikas
RCM – Bobby Clark / James McConnell
CDM – Wataru Endō
LCM – Ryan Gravenberch
RF – Harvey Elliott
CF – Cody Gakpo
LF – Luis Díaz

The above should act as the basis for what is needed and allow more rest periods for vital assets. The requirement to draft players between the two groups (in allowance for form and injuries) should be not stop the manager utilizing the entire squad from game to game.

The Roadmap: Match-by-Match Strategy

An opportunity in year one of Liverpool v2.0 has presented itself, which may act as the ideal launch pad for the new first team coach, next season. Below is how I would navigate the next ten games, to ensure fatigue and injuries do not become a huge factor. The Burnley game is something I have listed, however, clearly some players are yet to return.

Burnley – 10/02 – Home – PL
Primary Starting Eleven

Brentford – 17/02 – Away – PL
Primary Starting Eleven

Luton – 21/02 – Home – PL
Secondary Starting Eleven

Chelsea – 21/02 – Wembley – EFL Cup Final
Primary Starting Eleven

Southampton – 28/02 – Home – FA Cup
Secondary Starting Eleven

Nottingham Forest – 02/03 – Away – PL
Primary Starting Eleven

TBC – 07/03 – Away – EL 1st Leg
Secondary Starting Eleven

Manchester City – 10/03 – Home – PL
Primary Starting Eleven

TBC – 14/03 – Away – EL 1st Leg
Secondary Starting Eleven

Everton – 17/03 – Away – PL
Primary Starting Eleven

Bigger Picture: Aiming for Triumph Amidst Challenges

There is a means of safe guarding Liverpool’s challenge for top spot, which will need tough decisions. Manchester City will be embroiled within a fight for repeated Champions League supremacy, which must be taken advantage of.

If Liverpool’s failed bid for the quadruple of 2021/22 proves anything, it is that players cannot produce relentlessly to the managers demands. Slowly but surely the fanbase has seen younger and more fringe worthy parts brought into the fold, which must be an endeavour that is continued if the reds German manager is to enjoy the silverware laden parade, we are desperate for him to enjoy.