It would be fair to say that Klopp’s ability to construct a squad of unlikely heroes into one of Europe’s most revered sides has been one of modern football’s most impressive feats. Before the German’s arrival on Merseyside Liverpool were little more than a sleeping giant, taunted by rival fans for their constant reference to past glory and successive failings to win that evasive Premier League title. It hasn’t been a quick fix, but with a little time he has been able to create an atmosphere of belief within the club that has resonated with everyone associated with it: his adoration is shared amongst the fans and the playing staff, while his capacity to marry the emotion of a fanbase with a tactical philosophy that relies on intensity and a sense of togetherness has been a joy for almost anyone who admires the sport and its potential to unite people. Not only this, but his willingness and dedication to improving the players that were either already at the club or had been brought in from lesser sides- even relegated clubs in the case of Andy Robertson and Gini Wijnaldum- is at the heart of what makes Klopp and this Liverpool side so special.
Given their trophy haul over the past 18 months and their unlikely position as reigning English, European and World Champions, it’s hard to envisage a Liverpool team that can improve under Klopp’s tutelage. However, his declaration that he expects to return to Germany once the remaining four years of his contract have been fulfilled allows a short window for even greater dominance to be achieved. It’s news that no Liverpool fan wanted to hear, but it offers perhaps one more cycle of evolution within a team that has evolved in myriad ways since he took over as manager in 2015.
Unfortunately for anyone associated with the club, the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted on how this evolution will manifest itself, if one can be manifested at all. As the owners refused to spend any significant amount of money in the previous two transfer windows, many fans saw this summer as the perfect time to take advantage of their success by acquiring some of Europe’s most promising talents. However, it seems that their reluctance to spend big money on Timo Werner means that the writing is on the wall where Liverpool’s transfer plans are concerned: the financial mite that they displayed over 24 months ago to bring in Van Dijk and Alisson Becker simply isn’t there in the way it was before.
With that said, reports do suggest that Liverpool would be willing to spend around £30 million to secure Thiago Alcantara’s services from Bayern Munich. News of the transfer, which still seems far from being finalised, has puzzled plenty of people who have familiarised themselves with Klopp’s tactical blueprint over the past 18 months. It would appear that Thiago’s highly technical style is at odds with the industrious approach that his midfield trio have adopted as Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have become more integral to the side’s attacking phases. Unlike Manchester City who require technicians in midfield to create attacks, Liverpool’s midfield operates as a means of winning the ball off the opposition before moving it wide or to forward players- and they have proven extremely adept at operating in this manner. However, if reports are to be believed, it could be that Klopp sees Thiago as the one to carry out the final stage of his tactical evolution with this Liverpool side; one that forces the midfield to have a greater offensive impetus and dictate the course of play.