Jurgen Klopp has been accused of being ‘too loyal’ to his players after the reigning champions, Real Madrid, shunted his Liverpool side out of the Champions League.
Despite a handful of top performances, the Anfield faithful have been underwhelmed with most of this season, with their team reduced to fighting for the top four spots in the Premier League.
Over both legs, Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid outfit got the better of them, and now Klopp will turn his attention to clinching that vital fourth-place spot to catapult themselves back into European football.
Formerly of Liverpool, Charlie Adam told BBC Radio 5 Live that Klopp could learn a lesson from his Manchester City and that his loyalty could be his downfall.
“I think Jurgen Klopp has been a little too loyal to these players, especially when you look at what Pep Guardiola has done with the likes of Joao Cancelo and moving players on to bring others in,” Adam said.
“But I think as a manager you also have to respect what the player have done for you and those are decisions that have to be made by the staff.”
That being said, Liverpool have reportedly began to embark on their plans for a squad overhaul, which may see some shock exits from Merseyside.
Klopp and his entourage will face difficulty parting ways with some of those players who were instrumental in his success during his time at the helm of Liverpool, beginning with Roberto Firmino.
With all things considered, if there’s a time to be cutthroat with your transfer activity, it is now.
Liverpool have endured their worst campaign for some time now, and a new influx of players will begin a new era. Anfield supporters will share the frustration with their ex-midfielder as it seems it’s time for a lick of paint.