An international break is on the horizon, which means domestic football will take a step back for plays to embark on international duty for their respective countries.
In Liverpool’s case, this may be a silver lining for Klopp and his players ahead of a challenging end to a dismal campaign.
Inconsistency in performances has been Liverpool’s downfall this season, with a 7-0 drubbing over Manchester United followed by a disheartening loss against Bournemouth the week after a telling representation of their campaign.
After their premature exit from the Champions League, Liverpool’s singular aim this season will be to secure European football for next team, preferably in the same competition Real Madrid knocked them out of.
There is, however, no guarantee this will be the case.
Seven points adrift of those sacred places is not the best position for Liverpool to be in at the moment, though they do have two games in hand over fourth-placed Spurs.
Their main competition, in the name of Newcastle, however, have played the same number of games and have five points more than Liverpool.
A mountainous task is ahead for the Merseyside club, but the international break acts the perfect chance for an Anfield reset.
It’s time to forget about silverware and how badly the season has already panned out and focus on the most important thing: the one remaining task.
The Red’s run of fixtures following the hiatus from club football will be season-defining on multiple fronts.
Liverpool were absent from the Premier League fixtures this week and will now resume their chase for Champions League qualification on April 1, which means a 17-day break would have been in play.
Come April 1, Colombian superstar Luis Diaz would be back in the mix and midfield pairing Jordan Henderson and Thiago will also, hopefully, be back in contention of some game time.
How Klopp and his entourage use this 17-day hiatus will be imperative for Liverpool’s top-four hopes, with practice and preparation key for a potentially torrid April lying ahead.
There are twelve Reds set to represent their country during the break, and Klopp will be praying that none manage to pick up any injuries.
Given Liverpool’s susceptibility to injury problems, concerns will grow as the international break pans out.
Two away games against Manchester City and Chelsea begin a dreaded period in April, followed by a match at Anfield against league-toppers Arsenal.
Liverpool will have their work cut out for them, but if the international break is utilised wisely whilst some players are continuing their work on the pitch for their country, the top four spots are still there for the taking.
