Why Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool shouldn’t be surprised about their demise in 2017

Cast your mind back back to August 14 at the Emirates.

Liverpool beat Arsenal 4-3 in what was an exhilerating victory and it seemed to set the tone for an irresistible first-half of the campaign.

Antonio Conte was taking time to settle at Chelsea, but the Reds were relentless – their irresistible attacking football made the whole Premier League sit up and take notice.

But fast forward and things are falling apart at Anfield – a 2-0 defeat on Saturday to Hull highlighted the mess they are in. Forget the title race, they face a huge battle to finish in the top four!

Express Sport examines what's gone wrong with Jurgen Klopp's men, and why we shouldn't see their demise this term as a surprise.

Jurgen Klopp

He's charismatic and he knows how to get the best out of his players, but his system is wearing out his men.

The German tactician prided himself on gegenpressing (a style that revolves around pushing high up the pitch and turning over possession quickly).

This requires everyone being able to synchronise and doing it at the same time.

Unfortunately, since the turn of 2017, Liverpool have looked sluggish and their performances have been laboured. But if anything, they have struggled to pace themselves and are paying the price.

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Jurgen Klopp has had a 2017 to forget so far

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Simon Mignolet has hardly been a reassuring presence between the sticks

Liverpool player ratings against Hull
Sat, February 4, 2017

Express Sport brings you Liverpool's player ratings from their defeat to Hull

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Simon Mignolet – 5

Goalkeeping situation

This is an ongoing debate – Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius.

Klopp spent £4.7million to bring Karius to Anfield before the start of the season.

Title-winning sides are built on strong defences and a reliable shot-stopper, but this is Liverpool's biggest weak point.

Karius was usurpred by Mignolet after a series of shaky displays.

But Mignolet is hardly a safe pair of hands – the clanger he dropped against Hull was a case in point!

Klopp may have to wait until the summer to sort that out now, but surely it must be a big concern of his.

Record against smaller teams

Since the turn of 2017, Liverpool are yet to win in the league.

Their record against the top sides is undoubted, but against the lesser lights, they have been found wanting.

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Liverpool have missed Sadio Mane

It seems to be a case that Liverpool struggle to raise their game like they do for the big matches.

England’s top flight is essentially a set of mini leagues, but Liverpool are floundering.

Sadio Mane

When Mane went off to the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool looked lost.

The striker adds a different dimension to their attack and his blistering pace has made him a nightmare for opposition defences.

Although the Reds have Philippe Coutinho, Mane has made them tick this term.

Klopp will be relieved to have him back.

Serial chokers

This is something that has been levelled at Arsenal or Tottenham.

Liverpool have had their chances down the years to win the title.

The 2013/14 collapse was memorable if not for Steven Gerrard’s slip.

But it seems that when they have been close to success, Liverpool can’t seem to get over the line.

Klopp has to change this mentality and quickly.

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