Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been accused of leaving his players exhausted by the work done for his legendary ‘gegenpressing’ style.
After losing just twice in their first 23 games this season, Wednesday night’s defeat by Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg gives the Reds a record of just one win in seven victories since the turn of the year.
In that time, the goals have dried up. The Anfield giants have gone from the country’s top scorers in 2016 to averaging under a goal a game so far in 2017.
Victory over Manchester City on New Year’s Eve appeared to seal Liverpool’s position as the main challengers to Chelsea in the Premier League, but less than a month later they are 10 points behind the Londoners and in the dog-fight for even a top four place.
Chief among Klopp’s accusers is long-time detractor Raymond Verheijen.
The former Wales and Holland assistant coach, who had also scorned Kop boss Klopp’s training methods at the start of the season and a year ago when the Reds were battling injuries, reckons he is now paying a predictable price.
Verheijen said: “Why are so many people surprised about Liverpool fading in the second half of the season? It was predicted over and over again.
“[Klopp is a] Fantastic coach. Great in developing a playing style, but does not have a clue about the principles of periodisation (progressive cycles of a training programme to reach or maintain performance levels).
“Klopp has run his players into the ground during pre-season. Consequently, players cannot perform during an entire season.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher weighed in on Sky Sports after the loss to Saints, questioning Klopp’s team selection and also casting doubt on his training methods.
He said his old club “look like they’ve run out of legs at present. It’s a big worry. Is it about the intensity they train at? Liverpool were not good enough or quick enough.
“You look at Liverpool’s bench, it is nowhere near good enough. Can and Henderson as a two do not work – I look at the manager. I’m a big fan, but the changes have been far too slow.”
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