FORWARD Nunez must hit ground running
WHEN the final chapter closes on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool reign the spectre of Pep Guardiola will probably loom large.
Like Andy Murray busting a gut to win titles in the same era as Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Klopp’s been unlucky that Guardiola has built one of the best Premier League teams ever to coincide with his days at Anfield. While Manchester City have won three Premier League titles in the last four seasons – with Liverpool breaking that cycle with their own triumph in 2020 – Klopp’s stars, despite their brilliance, have often been nearly men.
And the harsh reality for Klopp is that sporting history has no place for losers, however great they may be.
And it’s why Liverpool’s stars simply have to win the title this season if they’re going to earn lasting recognition. Maintaining the incredible standards they have
STEVE BATES
set over the past few years is the only focus for Klopp on the eve of this season.
Then he’ll say a prayer to the footballing Gods hoping it will be enough to see off Guardiola’s relentless City stars and land a second league title in his time on Merseyside.
For that to happen record £65million signing Darwin Nunez will have to blast the memory of Sadio Mane into oblivion pretty quickly.
The former Benfica forward will have to share the goal load with Mo Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
It’s not been a big summer of signings for Liverpool – but it didn’t need to be.
Kop fans may argue the best piece of business was agreeing a new contract with Egyptian star Salah after speculation that he might follow Mane out of Anfield.
But Klopp (above) has been engaged in stealthy strategic recruiting evidenced by the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig last summer.
Liverpool still have the best full-backs in Europe in assist kings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Midfield carries the rich quality and experience of Thiago and Fabinho, with new signing from Fulham Fabio Carvalho adding youthful energy alongside teenage winger Harvey Elliott.
So, buckle up for another Liverpool v City thriller.