Liverpool fans will be feeling pretty good about life right now, and why not after a pretty fantastic two weeks?
First, the Reds thrashed Arsenal 4-0 in their last Premier League game. Then, they followed that up by making a £40million deadline day raid on the Gunners for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Still, that doesn’t leave Jurgen Klopp without plenty to think about as he prepares for a far more challenging trip to Manchester City this weekend.
The German has already addressed the Philippe Coutinho situation, hinting that the Brazilian will probably be on the bench, in line with our suggested line up for Liverpool on the day.
Even putting the Coutinho saga to one side, we have three more dilemmas Klopp must tackle this weekend…
A potentially unsettling Emre Can saga
While the Coutinho situation is a worry, Liverpool could face yet another unwanted distraction if Emre Can continues to stall on signing a new contract at Anfield.
The Germany international has grown in stature under Klopp, particularly this season after a storming start with a regular run of games at the heart of the Liverpool midfield.
However, Can’s contract is currently due to expire at the end of the season, sparking rumours of growing interest from Juventus and, more worryingly, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Expect that list to grow if Liverpool cannot tie Can down, with speculation that they’re in disagreement with the 23-year-old over including a release clause in his next deal.
The Merseyside giants can comfort themselves that, having persuaded Coutinho to pen a new contract earlier this year, they can expect £100million or more for him if Barcelona come calling again next summer. And if not, they remain in control of the Brazilian’s situation and can turn down offers they deem to be unacceptable.
Liverpool will want to avoid Can’s future becoming another saga, or it could be two big names on their way out of Anfield next summer, with one of Europe’s top young talents potentially leaving on a free. Surely it would make more sense to bow to his demands over a release clause and pocket a big fee at some point in the future?
How to replace the injured Nathaniel Clyne
It was bad news for Liverpool this week as right-back Nathaniel Clyne was ruled out for ‘several months’ with a back injury.
The England international hasn’t been too badly missed by the Reds so far this season, with young duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez taking it in turns to deputise in that position.
Still, Klopp now has to plan for the long term and settle on a first choice on the right-hand side of his defence, with both Alexander-Arnold and Gomez arguably unlikely to continue to look so settled if required to perform at the top level for what could be 50 or more games this season.
Klopp will surely think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are possible options in that area, but an away game to City might not be the right time to experiment with players in an unfamiliar role.
With Clyne now confirmed as being out for much of the season, a new kind of pressure will be on Liverpool’s youngsters, and on Klopp to make the most of a tricky situation.
The need to curb attacking instincts against City
Liverpool have a good record in the big games under Klopp, but it’s clear for all to see that facing this City side will be a very different prospect from a comfortable win over a out of sorts Arsenal before the international break.
Pep Guardiola has an embarrassment of riches in his attack, with his side seeming to play almost with a front five or six at times, such is their quality in midfield and from their expensive full-back signings Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy.
In short, Liverpool won’t be given the freedom to attack at will as they did against Arsenal, but tactical flexibility hasn’t always looked Klopp’s strength in his time with the club so far.
One thing’s for sure, Liverpool don’t really have the defenders capable of the job, with the likes of Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno in desperate need of raising the levels they’ve shown at times this season.
And that’s before we even get started on the goalkeepers…
MORE : Oxlade-Chamberlain set for immediate disappointment at Liverpool, says Arsenal hero
MORE : Jurgen Klopp provides Philippe Coutinho update after failed Barcelona transfer
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