If Jurgen Klopp was intent on making life easier for his successor as Liverpool manager, the last few weeks was nevertheless not quite what he had in mind.

From being what appeared an almost impossible act to follow as the Reds chased down an unprecedented trophy quadruple, that there will almost certainly be just the League Cup to show for his exhausted team's efforts in the campaign underlines there is significant scope for improvement for whoever follows the German, with Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot edging nearer a move to Anfield.

Indeed, Liverpool's stuttering form since their return from last month's international break has acted as a painful reminder of how further the Reds must still travel to regain a regular berth among the Premier League elite.

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Even the most optimistic Reds supporter would admit Klopp's side have overachieved this season, regardless of the plethora of injury absences that have ultimately caught up with them during the run-in.

The leap from fifth to first is a difficult one - Arsenal failed in similar fashion last term - particularly with Liverpool having been compelled to completely rebuild their midfield last summer.

But tired legs alone can't explain the manner in which, over the past four weeks, Liverpool have slipped out of the FA Cup, the Europa League and now, realistically, the title race.

There are of course other factors, such as the inevitable impact of Klopp leaving both on the manager himself and the squad.

It wasn't just the trio who were found wanting, though - across the pitch the Blues won 83% of their tackles (compared to 50% for Liverpool) and were easily on top in terms of duels, particularly during the pivotal opening half-hour.

Much is rightly made of the Reds' leadership group and they have an important part in the everyday work of the squad.

Wataru Endo, to whom Liverpool instead turned, has many of those attributes and in retrospect should have started against Everton, but was never bought with the long term in mind.

And, with Endo unable to play every game, Mac Allister has spent the majority of the season filling in, in the process unable to operate in the more advanced role in which he has already shown he revels.

Yes, Stefan Bajectic is a future prospect, but he has made only six career Premier League starts and will take time to reintegrate having missed almost all of the last 13 months due to fitness issues.

Like Endo, he will have a role to play next season, but there needs to be greater competition in the position.

Liverpool's next manager, then, will this summer find himself in exactly the same place as Klopp 12 months previous.
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