The eyes of Liverpool fans were all on Old Trafford on Thursday night as we hoped and prayed for an unlikely miracle. Did we really believe that a team that has netted the same amount of goals as Erling Haaland alone (36) in the Premier League this season could stop Manchester United at their fortress? Frank Lampard’s outfit were doomed to failure and the red devils left Liverpool’s hopes in tatters as they booked their place in next season’s Champions League with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Chelsea. Erik ten Hag’s troops extended their excellent form at home to a jaw-dropping 28 game unbeaten run in all competitions during 2022/23.
It was Mohamed Salah who took to social media instantly after the final whistle at Old Trafford and made his feelings clear. In a nutshell, he shared the emotions of disillusionment. The Egyptian king not unlike fans was “devastated” at missing out on the best club competition in the world. He issued a statement insisting there is “no excuse” for his side not to achieve “the bare minimum”. The right wingers let down is comprehensible , given the reds’ recent six fruitful years in the competition. Jurgen Klopp’s men managed to make top-four finishes in the last six years, which led to three Champions League finals and the clubs sixth title in 2019.
Ultimately, all good things come to an end, and so do bad ones too. The current campaign is not one that will live long in the memory for Liverpool fans. It has not been a bed of roses, especially when the midfield crisis hit along with poor form and a host of injuries. Nevertheless, there’s one more game to play before the players get some well-earned time off from the rigours of football and go away on holidays with their families.
Jurgen Klopp will take his troops to already relegated Southampton on Sunday afternoon, which was once pride of the south coast but now sit rock-bottom of the Premier League. Even if there’s nothing at stake for both teams, a victory would still be a nice way to bid farewell to the fans.
Changes at Saint Mary’s Stadium are inevitable. Managing director Toby Stelle, along with the club’s director of football operations, Matt Crocker are leaving this summer. Earlier this week, The Saints also confirmed they will part ways with the interim manager, Ruben Selles, at the end of the season. This decision means that Sunday’s encounter with the Merseysiders will be his last in the hot seat. Not that long ago, the 39-year-old Spaniard told the Daily Echo that he found it challenging to manage the large squad he has at his disposal. The Spanish coach will be the third manager to have been fired by Southampton’s board this season after overseeing just 16 matches in all competitions and with two wins to his name. Swansea City boss Russell Martin is set to replace him according to reports but relegation to the Championship after 11 years will have a massive impact to the lives of staff in a negative way. The South Coast club are reportedly set to make a number of redundancies and cuts across multiple departments.
The situation within Southampton is a true reflection of their current form. Their winless run was extended to five when they were beaten 1-3 by Brighton last Sunday and only Wolverhampton Wanderers have bagged less goals (31) than them (32) in the 37 outings. Their best target man Che Adams has just five goals and three assists in 28 games and will be watching his teammates play from the sidelines against Liverpool. Ruben Selles confirmed his absence during today’s pre-match press conference and added that Mohammed Salisu, Juan Larios and Armel Bella-Kotchap will also be out. The only doubt is Paul Onuachu, who is struggling with a back issue. The last time Southampton claimed all the spoils was 83 days ago against Leicester City when Carlos Alcaraz scored the winning goal.
Liverpool will also face a lot of changes within their ranks as a summer rebuilt awaits. The majority of fans on social media seem to be more bothered about the situation behind the scenes and potentials arrivals rather than about the upcoming final Premier League clash againt The Saints. Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will all depart from the club at the end of the campaign. The Brazilian said farewell to Anfield with a late equaliser against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa last week and will be looking to add to his huge legacy this weekend. According to reports in Germany, Liverpool have finally found their new sporting director in Jorg Schmadtke but the club is yet to confirm this information. Julian Ward informed his intention to step down from the role last November.
Liverpool have been in a superb form of late. They hit the ground and finally picked up the momentum against Arsenal in early April when they came from behind to register a dramatic 2-2 draw. Jurgen Klopp’s men have unbeaten in the 10 matches since and would love to extend that run to 11. Despite the up turn in form the reds will have to do without Champions League next season which fans are hoping will not hamper their summer transfer plans.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that there are a few injuries before the game and we can expect a few changes to the starting line-up.
"“Long-term are still out but the rest should be fine. I think it makes sense that we make changes, to get fresh players on the pitch, and players who want to show something” – said the German on the pre-match press conference."
Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson are doubtful for the game, while Darwin Nunez could be introduced on the pitch in the second half.
Nothing is really at stake, but I am pretty sure that Roberto Firmino would love to play a significant part in his last game as a Liverpool player. I am predicting a comfortable 3-0 victory.