Paul Merson believes the World Cup could transform Liverpool’s season. The Reds haven’t enjoyed a smooth first half of the campaign.
Paul Merson feels the World Cup could have a transformative effect on Liverpool’s season. The Reds are fairly unique in that, too, as the pundit believes his former side Arsenal will suffer from it.
“[Liverpool have] looked a tired team,” Merson told Sky Sports. “Against Arsenal they faded second half. Against Tottenham they faded second half. That’s not the Liverpool I know.
“I think the World Cup break might help them – it can’t be any worse for them. The Spurs result was decent but they don’t look right. It’s the absolute opposite [to Arsenal].
“They aren’t going to come back any worse than what they are now. So it will help them. With Arsenal it’s going to be very difficult to pick it up in the same way.”
The World Cup and Liverpool’s season
Merson is almost certainly right. Not only do Liverpool get a little mentality reset from the tournament but they also have several key players at home.
Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, James Milner, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino are all either retired, not their because their country failed to qualify or simply not in the squad. Diogo Jota likely misses the tournament through injury, too, while the likes of Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez likely remain at home.
In other words, the bulk of Liverpool’s team will get a long rest and recharge this winter. They’ll come back stronger at a time when most clubs see their stars extra exhausted.
And if Arsenal lose a bit of momentum, too? Maybe they could be dragged back into the top four race with a few poor weeks. Liverpool may not rise to compete for the title but the fewer teams guaranteed a Champions League place, the better.
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