All summer reports linked Liverpool with Virgil Van Dijk, the talented Southampton center-back. There was no hiding the fact that Van Dijk was Klopp’s primary transfer target. Unfortunately, Liverpool would be unable to get Southampton to sell after Southampton accusing the Reds of illegally tapping the defender. Worse still, Liverpool apparently did not have a Plan B. In fact, at the time, Jürgen Klopp challenged reporters, when pushed about not bringing in an alternative, to name 5 center backs who would make a difference.
Fast forward to the start of the campaign and Liverpool’s defensive woes continue. Conceding 13 goals in their first 7 matches, critics point the blame at Klopp and his refusal to address their biggest need. Klopp however has stated that one signing would not heal their defensive issues and it is more caused by mental breakdowns rather than a lack of talent. In addition, Klopp has pointed to the midfield as sharing in the blame claiming the defensive four are not solely to blame.
Klopp is both right and wrong in his assessment.
It is easy to look at Sevilla’s first goal and claim this is exhibit A as to how Liverpool need to upgrade their defense, and specifically their center backs. On that play a simple cross made its way past several defenders, most notably right under the boot of Dejan Lovren. Lovren made a huge gaffe and it allowed for a simple goal for Sevilla. There is no defending Lovren on this play, it was brutal. However, to Klopp’s point, on the entirety of the match, Liverpool’s defense was solid. Sevilla’s opportunities were limited and they only managed a handful of shots. It is not like the Sevilla attack were shredding Liverpool’s defense and getting plenty of chances. They only finished with 2 shots on goal. However, both resulted in goals. And that is the problem with Liverpool’s defense. The gaffes, mental breakdowns, or whatever you want to call them, are so huge they lead to easy goals for the opposition. And this leads to a great deal of pressure on the rest of the team.
Klopp is also correct in his assessment of the midfield. It is not as if Jordan Henderson, Wijnaldum, or Emre Can are great defensive midfielders that offer protection for the back four. And on the goal detailed above, the cross was preceded with some play in the midfield including a 50-50 ball that Emre Can had every opportunity of winning and clearing. Instead, Can was hesitant and did not fully attack the ball. Sevilla were able to win the ball, maintain possession, and work it to the wing. The midfield certainly shares in the blame.
Having said that, Jürgen Klopp is also wrong to say that one player won’t fix things. True, one defender will not complete heal every defensive inadequacy, but Klopp is greatly underestimating the value of a class defender. By adding one top-notch defender, the entire defense will be stabilized. Think about it, who on defense currently breeds confidence? Who can you point to and know they will have a solid game week in and week out? There is none. Liverpool do not need a complete defensive overhaul but by adding one such player the entire group will be improved. And, with improvement comes improved confidence. It snowballs from there as with more confidence comes better play. It all starts with one player. One player that Liverpool are currently lacking.
Perhaps Klopp knows this. Surely the manager has a brilliant football mind. And he knows the defensive players he has currently are needed at least until the winter window. Pointing out their failures and admitting they require changes does not help his current defense play better in the short-term, and that needs to be his focus. The fact that Virgil Van Dijk was Liverpool’s main target shows that Klopp is not blind to the issue. Supporters wanted to see a Plan B and wanted Klopp to bring in someone, anyone to upgrade the position. When he did not, critics claimed his stubbornness would cost Liverpool. And it is hard to disagree. However, if the choices were to have a slight improvement today or a major improvement in the winter market, what would be best for Liverpool?
Yes, the next couple of months will leave Reds supporters frustrated at times, especially when Liverpool dominate a game only to lose points because of defensive let downs. But Jürgen Klopp understands the issues and will address it. Liverpool supporters are growing impatient and want it to be immediately addressed while Klopp appears to be thinking more long-term. Will that gamble be his downfall?