Jurgen Klopp got closer to Liverpool truth as Andoni Iraola sent World Cup reminder
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There's a theory among many fans of Premier League clubs regarding the domestic season before a World Cup. Often, it's unspoken, sometimes it can aired in more robust terms.But the idea that many of a top team's international stars will have more than one eye on the summer showpiece across the course of a domestic campaign is often unavoidable.For many within the Liverpool squad during a disappointing season that saw Arne Slot's side lose 20 times across all competitions, this accusation has, alongside many others, inevitably been levelled at them.The torrent of criticism has been tough for many within the Reds squad to push back against.
A confidence-shot and often injury-hit team was unable to shake off a slump that really began on the pitch under Slot in late September.A sequence of nine defeats in 12, which began with a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace, left the Dutchman going back to basics around the start of December.While results improved, performances generally did not and by the time they were next beaten - at the end of January at Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth - a largely uninspired 13-game unbeaten run that included six draws was finally put out of its misery.A lack of leadership, questions of mental strength and even the amount of time off given to the players was all part of the discourse in the second half of the campaign as an ugly and often cantankerous few months trudged to a limp conclusion that did at least end with Champions League qualification.It was even suggested, as is often the case, that many within the squad had long since trained their gaze towards the World Cup with their respective nations.And while it is easy for those of a Liverpool persuasion to be critical, it would also be understandable if many within what was Slot's squad had started to subconsciously factor the World Cup into their thinking when it came to putting their bodies on the line at Anfield.It was something Alisson Becker vocalised recently, tellingly admitting: "I’m 100%. Missing games for Liverpool was part of the plan to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.“I am my biggest critic.
No one knows me better than I do.“Everyone knows I spent a period out before the World Cup, but also very much because of arriving at the World Cup 100%."Alisson missed most of the last two months of the season due to a muscle injury and it should come as no surprise to learn that the biggest competition on the planet was part of the thinking for Brazil's No.1 when it came to the final weeks of the term on Merseyside.Alexander Isak is another who was taking no risks given his four-month lay-off with a broken leg. Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, was player of the match in Oranje's 2-2 draw with Japan.Mac Allister, specifically, found himself in the eye of the storm when it came to the critiquing of his performances last term but he remains an integral cog for world champions Argentina and a poor campaign for Liverpool might be easier to get over when rubbing shoulders with Lionel Messi and Co.