After Liverpool narrowly missed out on the Premier League title following a chaotic final day of action, full attention now turns to Paris and Saturday’s Champions League final.
Jurgen Klopp’s men ended the Premier League season on a 19-match unbeaten streak and will look to inflict revenge on Real Madrid for their 2019 heartbreak in Kiev. Added to Liverpool’s quest for the treble, there are debates regarding who Liverpool will sign this summer and what to do with out of contract players at the club.
To discuss all things Liverpool, the ECHO’s Ian Doyle answered questions in a live Q+A earlier today and here is what was said.
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ThepinnicleUSA: Having the same players for a long time can cause problems to a team, players get tired of listening to the same voice for a long time, it sometimes have a negative effect on a dressing room and ultimately results on the pitch, do you think this is the end of a cycle for these players? And Klopp is looking to make changes to the squad in terms of tactics and personnel to keep everybody fresh and ready to go?
Ian Doyle: I think a closer inspection shows Liverpool have been evolving their squad constantly. Since winning the title - which was less than two years ago - they've brought in Tsimikas, Thiago, Jota, Konate, Diaz with Carvalho also on his way. In that time they've also moved on 20 players, including the likes of Lovren, Lallana, Wijnaldum and with Origi also on his way. I'd expect a few more to leave this summer. I don't think it'll be a matter of players getting tired of listening to Klopp and his coaches as they clearly enjoy working there. There's enough variety and new faces to keep things fresh. Plus, of course, the youngsters coming through also help.
Kopite PHD: Afternoon Doyley - seriously, what chance do we have against the power and pace of a fully fit and rested Real Madrid team without Fabinho, Thiago in mid plus a not fully fit VVD, Robbo and Salah? We have looked leggy and off it the past few games, I personally think we're in for a hiding Saturday with Hendo, Naby and Milner in midfield for the final.... over to you…
Ian Doyle: For me, even before the injuries, Real Madrid were clear favourites to beat Liverpool. Everything was in their favour at the time, and now even more so. In some ways, that could help the Reds as the pressure is massively off them. I actually believe most people expect Real to win. But the reality is they have got away with an awful lot in the competition this season, and with this a one-off game rather than over two legs, if Liverpool can capitalise on one of Real's undoubted iffy spells during the match in Paris, they can win. It'll be a game of taking chances. Liverpool need to take theirs.
ManeSalahBobby: Thiago and Fabinho both out for the final. What midfield we rocking?
Ian Doyle: Well, you'd have Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita in there from the start. And I'd go with Curtis Jones in the knowledge Liverpool can make five substitutions and Harvey Elliott and James Milner can later add youth and experience. Hopefully, though, at least one of Thiago and Fabinho will be okay from the start in Paris.
David67231: Hi do you think we need any additions up top and in midfield?
Ian Doyle: Liverpool have a lot of options in midfield. I'd expect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave, if only for his own sake. He's been very unfortunate in the last few months but he deserves to go somewhere where he'll be playing regularly. Carvalho will be an option for next season, obviously. Jude Bellingham is a player they really like but, if they make a move, it won't be until next year at the earliest given Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to let him go this summer having already sold Erling Haaland. Bellingham is still a teenager so no rush on that.
Sbinalla: With Origi leaving and a chance of Taki leaving, is there any forward the club are looking at who could bring what they brought?
Ian Doyle: Well, they're confirmed today that Fabio Carvalho will join. And while he's not an out-and-out forward, he can play in an attacking midfield role which may provide some scope for tactical change - 4-2-3-1 for example. In terms of forwards, none that I'm aware of because bear in mind Luis Diaz was the main summer target they brought forward by five months. They obviously like Kaide Gordon but it's still very early days for the young right-winger. If anything, I'd be looking to sign an actual striker in the mould of Origi, someone who is going to provide something different. Liverpool won't actually have a recognised traditional senior striker once the Belgian leaves.
Lfc7 : If one of Mane/ Mo goes, do you think lfc could target Darwin Nunez ?
Ian Doyle: They could. But that doesn't mean they will. I would be surprised, though, if Mane or Salah leave and Liverpool don't bring in someone of a near similar standard but younger. I expect the contract situations of both to be settled one way or another this summer. We will know a lot more by August 31.
AllissonWonderland: Afternoon Ian, any news on Tchouameni? What do you think will sway his decision?
Ian Doyle: Everything is pointing to the fact he will join Real Madrid. Liverpool have been informed by the player's representatives that he wants a move to the Spanish side. Tchouameni is one of several players the Reds have looked at as they aim to refashion their midfield in the coming few transfer windows, but it's been clear to Liverpool for some time that the Bernabeu is his most likely destination. But we all know people change their minds often. But, as of this moment, that's the situation.
ThepinnicleUSA: Great answers as always, pls my last question, do you think Milner will be leaving? If not, do you think he will be kind enough to hand Luis Diaz the number 7 jersey?
Ian Doyle: I'm not sure on Milner. It's interesting nothing has been decided yet, and that he's started playing a bit more regularly at the business end of the season. I don't think he'll be swapping the seven shirt if he's still here though, no.
