Review of the sinking of Liverpool

Liverpool live on Wednesday at the Diego Maradona stadium one of his worst nights since he was coached by Jürgen Klopp, as he lost 4-1 against Napoli at the start of the Champions League. The heaviest defeat for Anfield away from home in Europe for more than half a century (since 5-1 against Ajax in 1966).

But the worst is notThis result was produced by the goal of Luis Díazbut the image given by most of the stars of Liverpool, the current European runner-up, who lost the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Paris less than four months ago (1-0). Klopp raised his hands in apology to the ‘reds’ fans present at the Maradona stadium and in a press conference he said that “we have to reinvent ourselves”.

But what worries the German coach more is the reaction of his team this Saturday in the Premier match against Wolves at Anfield. To do this, according to experts, many things need to change. Unlike Thomas Tuchel, who was fired by Chelsea, Klopp is not afraid of his job. Liverpool’s owners not only appreciate their legendary manager but have more patience.

Play as a team and without passivity

About what Liverpool need to be Liverpool again, to start playing as a team again and leave the passivity they showed at Napoli. “It was the least compact performance I’ve seen in a long time,” Klopp said. In the Premier, the Anfield team is 7th, 6 points behind Arsenal leader Mikel Arteta and 5 behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham.

That Salah was not stuck on one side and almost disappeared

For Liverpool to be Liverpool again, Salah cannot be stuck on the right wing, almost disappear, but in a more central role, with mobility and showing his quality.

The function of the ‘anchor’ Fabinho

Against Napoli the Brazilian could not be the anchor, defender of the defense, as usual. He lacks help in the middle. James Milner couldn’t do it. With Thiago Alcantara, who reappeared in the second half, Liverpool went up a notch.

Kickback again

The ‘red’ counterattack, vital for Liverpool, was non-existent on Wednesday against Napoli. Another reason for the massive setback Klopp’s team has suffered.

Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk

For Anfield to react, Trent Alexander-Arnold must regain his usual intensity and reliability, in attack and defence, on the right. Virgil van Dijk should also regain his lost luster, where he was not helped by a Joe Gomez drowning against Napoli. With Joel Matip after the break, the situation is different. Better protection up front will be key for the Netherlands captain.