Klopp’s defensive delusions
“I don’t see (the defense) as a concern,” Klopp said in early August. “Look out there and tell me five (center backs) that would make us stronger.”
The decision not to reinforce Liverpool’s defense goes back to Klopp. His loyalty to his players is proving to be detrimental. Even when equipped with the infamous “£200m warchest,” Klopp refused to budge on his main target and stuck with the array of the defensive options that has previously let him down. Simply put, he’s had enough transfer windows to mend Liverpool’s defensive woes, but he has failed to act on it.
In a stark contrast, Tottenham had the best defensive record in the league last season and still bought Davinson Sanchez and Serge Aurier, two players in Pochettino’s starting eleven that just obliterated Liverpool. With this loss, Liverpool have conceded 16 goals in their first nine games, the most since the 1964-1965 season. That’s three more goals than Bournemouth, currently in the relegation zone, and only three more than Crystal Palace who sit dead last.
How does this get fixed?
Luckily for Klopp, the situation can still be fixed. After Lovren’s disastrous mistakes in the opening half hour, Klopp hooked him off the pitch, giving way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and moving Joe Gomez to center back. This was a rare proactive move from Klopp, who has recently taken far too long to make any changes at all.
The German manager has to continue being proactive, at the very least until January. Gomez is young and will make some mistakes, but that’s the only way he’ll grow. The English center back was signed to be a pillar of Liverpool’s defense for years to come. He can’t get there without significant player time.
When the transfer window opens back up, either in January or in the summer, Klopp has to seek out reinforcements. Van Dijk should still be the primary option, but if he’s still unattainable, then the Reds can’t be shy in looking for other options.
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It’s now up to Klopp to sort out his defense or Liverpool’s shortcomings will be on his shoulders.