Breaking Down Liverpool’s Woeful Europa League Campaign | OneFootball

Liverpool’s European Journey Ends in Disappointment

The beauty of football often lies in its ability to evoke the full spectrum of human emotions—thrill, despair, hope, and the cruel sting of what could have been. This was on full display as Liverpool attempted a brave comeback against Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals, only to fall short, despite a strong showing. As originally reported by The Athletic, the match highlighted both the brilliance and the gaps in Liverpool’s current squad.

Alexander-Arnold Steps Up

Trent Alexander-Arnold, returning from a hiatus due to injury, was undoubtedly the star for Liverpool. “Alexander-Arnold’s first pass of note was a raking switch that released Luis Diaz in behind,” the report notes, setting the stage for what was a commanding first-half performance by the young fullback. His early movements and a decisive penalty kick marked him as the pivotal figure in Liverpool’s strategy. Yet, as the match wore on and his stamina waned, so too did Liverpool’s offensive prowess. This change in tempo was palpable, “Without him, creativity was in short supply,” a testament to his crucial role in the team.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s Struggles Continue

Mohamed Salah, a normally reliable figure for Liverpool, has had his challenges. The Athletic captures a critical moment for Salah: “Yet when Salah was sent through on goal…he failed to double his and Liverpool’s goal tally.” This moment was reflective of his recent performances, where his usual sharpness in front of goal has been lacking. Klopp’s reaction to Salah’s performance was one of tempered realism, “It’s not that Mo didn’t miss chances before in his life, that’s part of the game,” indicating a hopeful but cautious outlook on his lead striker’s return to form.

Midfield Dynamics and Szoboszlai’s Dip in Form

The midfield, often the engine room of Klopp’s setups, has seen fluctuating dynamics. The report points out the heavy reliance on Alexis Mac Allister due to other midfielders’ injuries and highlights Dominik Szoboszlai’s fading influence, “His pass map highlights how few of the passes he attempted were either in the final third or played forwards.” Initially compared to Steven Gerrard, Szoboszlai’s drop in performance can be attributed to both fitness issues and the overwhelming expectations placed upon his young shoulders.

Looking Forward: Liverpool’s Premier League Ambitions

Despite the European exit, Liverpool’s focus must now shift entirely to the domestic front. The report outlines the upcoming matches: “Liverpool have only one goal remaining. They have to win their final six league games and hope both Manchester City and Arsenal slip up.” For Klopp’s men to turn their season around, the key players who shone in Europe, like Alexander-Arnold, need to maintain their form, and those out of sorts, like Salah and Szoboszlai, must rediscover their mojo.

In conclusion, while the European journey for Liverpool ends on a sombre note, the resilience shown by players like Alexander-Arnold gives hope. However, for a successful close to the season, it is imperative that the entire squad elevates their performance to meet the challenges ahead. As Liverpool fans and pundits alike will attest, in football, it’s not over until it’s truly over.