Jurgen Klopp handed a stark reminder of who Liverpool needs to sign in the transfer window
Jurgen Klopp minimized the fact that Liverpool conceded four goals to lower-tier opponents.
The hectic 4-4 tie against Greuther Furth was mitigated by the exhaustive schedule that he described as occurring recently.
The opening 45 minutes could not have gone any better for the Reds had they scored more goals. Luis Diaz scored the lone goal, but home goalkeeper Jonas Urbig ought to have retrieved the ball from his net more than once. Ben Doak also came close on two occasions in addition to Diogo Jota, who missed a one-on-one opportunity and struck the post.
In the second period, Liverpool’s forwards were hardly inert, to their credit. They proceeded to harass Furth, with Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez scoring goals.
The second-half action at the opposing end of the field probably did not captivate Liverpool fans. In the initial 45 minutes, Alisson Becker did not have to make a save. The only goalmouth action he observed was the reception of a single cross.
However, after replacing Alisson in goal, Adrian would allow three goals. One was his responsibility due to a poor pass to James McConnell, a young player. In the final 15 minutes, substitute Marcelo Pitaluga was unable to preserve a clean sheet.
Granted, Liverpool’s backup defense was on the field. But it was hardly a rearguard comprised of four players under the age of 21. Jarrell Quansah was partnered by Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, and Kostas Tsimikas, who were the only adults.
In the LFC TV studio, former Reds defender Jason McAteer stated, “The second half did not look good.” We shouldn’t have conceded as many goals as we did, even though the contest ended 4-4.
The midfield has dominated transfer speculation for the past week or so, as it has all summer. Jurgen Klopp must have believed that by purchasing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £90 million, rumors about his engine room would cease.
However, with proposals for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho from Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad, the topic of the midfield has once again dominated.
However, Klopp may have received a reminder, if he needed one, that he may need to strengthen other positions before the transfer window concludes.
At the conclusion of last season, when discussing his summer intentions, the Anfield supremo was asked if a defender was on his shopping list. Before delivering his response, he let out one of his effusive, signature chuckles.
“We are currently searching in all positions except for goalkeeper,” said Klopp. “I would not deny the existence of a competent defender if one existed. That is it. We examine every aspect of the playing field.”
Virgil van Dijk appears likely to succeed Henderson as captain. He has begun the first two summer friendlies alongside Ibrahima Konate. Many would concur that this is Liverpool’s best defensive duo, despite van Dijk’s scrutiny last season. Additionally, Konate’s injury history is cause for concern.
In addition, Matip is nearing the age of 32, and Gomez has never returned to the level that made him a regular in the Premier League-winning season of 2019-20, after recovering from a severe knee injury. Nat Phillips, the fifth-ranked player, has not played at all this summer. If a suitable offer arises, he will probably leave.
Liverpool desires a left-footed left-sided defender. Several names have been linked but appear unlikely. It is difficult to imagine Chelsea severing ways with Levi Colwill. The Reds are admirers, but newly-hired Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has ruled out a move.
Moreover, Micky van de Ven, whom sporting director Jorg Schmadtke knows well from his time with Wolfsburg, has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur. There will undoubtedly be a number of other players Liverpool could pursue. Recruiting a defensive midfielder will be a top priority, but Furth’s performance has confirmed that a new defender is also required.
Jurgen Klopp handed a stark reminder of who Liverpool needs to sign in the transfer window