A top England-based journalist who covers Liverpool closely has spoken to KickOff to share insight into the Merseyside club's topsy-turvy 2022/23 season.
Liverpool's win over West Ham United on Wednesday night has led to much talk regarding whether or not the Reds will qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.
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The Merseysiders are currently seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who also have a game in hand over their famous rivals.
In recent seasons, qualification for the prestigious continental tournament had been almost a formality for Liverpool, but this campaign has seen the club in unfamiliar territory as they languish in seventh spot with five games left to play.
Many have given their verdict throughout the season on the reasons behind the team's underwhelming season, some citing their injuries as an issue while others have claimed that their ageing midfield is responsible for the club's defensive woes.
Andy Jones, who writes for The Athletic and covers everything to do with Liverpool, has now offered his verdict on Liverpool's campaign so far.
"There is a feeling of confusion more than anger in the camp. There is an acceptance that the injuries have not helped this season. I think the after-effects of their exploits last season, with the quadruple, also played a role. They have not been able to sufficiently add players in key areas in the last few seasons. As a result, they have got players who are entering the last stages of their career. The squad are no longer in that perfect age gap from 24 to 27, which is where you want your players to be. I just think there's genuine frustration and confusion in Liverpool because they are delivering far below expectations," he told KickOff.
"I think this final stretch with the formation change and Trent Alexander-Arnold now playing as an inverted fullback has given them a boost or lift. Meanwhile, the players are also coming back from injuries like Luis Diaz, who needed a period to adjust. They are finally in a position again where they have a full-strength squad. I think they will be hoping to end the season on a high.
"At times this season, it has been difficult to explain what exactly has gone wrong. It is easy to pinpoint someone at fault but to explain the drop-off from so many players who have previously been important to Liverpool...
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"Given what we know Klopp and Liverpool have been like for years, it has been baffling but also explainable. These issues have been in the background, like the need for new players for example. They will be hoping to end the season on a good note, whether that is UCL or just winning as many games as possible so they can carry that momentum into the next season."
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