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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Sadio Mane of Liverpool and team mates celebrate his goal with Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on August 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Is this the year that Liverpool returns to the promise land?
That seems to be a question asked every year at this point. Every year Liverpool enter their campaign with the tag dark horse, a team that might make the top four and contend for the Premier League title if everything goes right. Aside from the 2013-2014 campaign though it seems as if The Reds fall short.
This season does seem different and it is for one major reason: Jurgen Klopp. For years Anfield seemed as if there was a bit of negativity around them. Successive managers coming in and failing to deliver another title will do that. But under Klopp there seems to be unbridled optimism in Liverpool. Perhaps it was their electric run to the Europa League finals but this season just feels different.
Klopp and Liverpool management have done an admirable job changing the atmosphere at Anfield and removing dead weight contracts. The question is now can they take the next step and break into the top four. The hope is that this team has enough depth to take on the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and the two Manchesters. But the fear among supporters is that there is still more work to do and that it is going to take more time than a year to change this team.
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<p>Aside from picking up Klavar and signing Joel Matip on a free transfer from Schalke Liverpool made very few additions to their defense during the offseason. While it seems like Klopp is attempting to assess what their depth is like along the back four for the future, in the short-term it leaves them woefully deficient in quality defenders. While Sakho, Alberto Moreno, and Nathaniel Clyne are all above-average defenders Liverpool does not have much depth beyond their starting four.</p>
<p>After spending this offseason adding to their midfield, it would seem that Klopp and Liverpool management have their sights set on their defense next. While the club might make a signing before the end of the summer transfer window, it is more likely that they will add to their defensive corps during the winter or next summer. That might benefit Liverpool down the road but it certainly doesn’t help the present side.</p>
<p>For a team that could contend Liverpool’s defense is a very glaring hole that needs addressing. If it is not done soon enough it could be the difference-maker in where the club finished in the Premier League table.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">
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