Kieran Gibbs has told The 2 Robbies podcast that he is baffled whenever he hears anyone call for Liverpool to part company with Jurgen Klopp, insisting that it is no surprise that they are having a more difficult year.
The last two results have summed up Liverpool’s season in many ways. The Reds completely tore Manchester United apart at Anfield earlier this month, winning 7-0 and playing some of the best football seen in the Premier League this season.
But they followed that with a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth on Saturday. Mo Salah obviously sent his penalty well wide. And Liverpool really struggled to test Neto during the second-half as they chased an equaliser.
Gibbs backs Jurgen Klopp
Meanwhile, the Reds face an almighty task trying to overturn the deficit from the first-leg of their Champions League knockout tie with Real Madrid.
It has been a really disappointing season overall. And with that, there has been some talk amongst some pundits over whether Klopp’s time on Merseyside may be approaching its conclusion.
Klopp is one of the greatest coaches the Premier League has seen. And while discussing the weekend’s results, the former Arsenal defender insisted that he cannot understand those who call for the German to go.
“I always find it funny when people ask for Klopp’s head. it baffles me a little bit,” he told The 2 Robbies podcast.
“But that’s kind of the world we live in now so it’s come to be expected. But they’ve competed heavily for every competition for the last five years. Three Champions League finals I think it is, a Prem, title challenge every year for that, there’s been a World Cup in the mix, a lot of players went to that.
“Klopp’s style of play is so intense that it’s not surprising that they’re having a down year.”
This season could still finish on a real high for Liverpool. They would move to within three points of fourth place Tottenham if they win their game in hand.
The Reds will be able to attract many top players whatever happens over the remainder of the campaign. But there is absolutely no question that qualifying for the Champions League will boost their hopes of landing their top targets.
However, Liverpool will come again. There are areas for concern within the squad. But when you look at the front three of Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, there is huge potential. And that is before you factor in the likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
If Liverpool can make a few inspired additions this summer, a much brighter campaign surely beckons.