Is Klopp Under Pressure at Liverpool?
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Liverpool suffered another disappointing result away from home in the Champions League this season as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Having already lost 1-0 at Napoli and a shock 2-0 loss at Red Star Belgrade, Liverpool must win their final home match at home against Napoli to progress to the knockout stages.
While their fate is in their own hands, Jurgen Klopp came in for some criticism both before and after the defeat at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. Former Liverpool player, John Toshack, spoke before the game about how Klopp could soon be under pressure. Talking in reference to Klopp and the Liverpool board, the Welshman said, “If Liverpool don’t win a trophy this year then they’ve got a decision to make”.
The former Real Madrid and Wales manager continued, “This is Klopp’s third full season at Liverpool and this is the acid test for him. You can be unlucky not to win a trophy, but at the top clubs that’s what matters”.
Klopp joined Liverpool in 2015 following a successful spell in charge at Borussia Dortmund but despite reaching the Europa League and Champions League final, he has yet to bring a trophy to Anfield.
There is no doubt Klopp has added to the excitement to the Premier League and Champions League with his style of play at Liverpool. There have seen some sensational performances including the win over Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final last season but will the German secure his status as a top manager by winning one of the big trophies this season?
The FA Cup is still up for grabs as we approach the third round after Christmas but the Premier League and Champions League are the two trophies the biggest clubs want to win. Question marks were raised over Klopp’s team selection for the Champions League defeat on Wednesday. He left the in-form Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, moving Joe Gomez to right back and playing Dejan Lovren in central defence.
Despite the accusations of diving aimed at the PSG players, Liverpool were second best and deserved to lose the game. However, they need a 1-0 win over Napoli at Anfield in a couple of weeks and they will be in the last 16 of the competition.
Liverpool are currently 2 points off Manchester City in the Premier League title race and are yet to lose a game ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton on the weekend. If it wasn’t for Manchester City and their phenomenal form, Liverpool would be top of the Premier League but that will not be enough for some fans.
If Liverpool fail to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League and drop behind Manchester City in the title race over Christmas, then questions could be asked of the manager. Klopp has spent big recently, with the capture of defender Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson and the only way to get a tangible return on those signings is by winning trophies.
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