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Five reasons Liverpool will miss out on Champions League qualification

By Roy Emanuel

Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on February 27, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Rachel Holborn - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on February 27, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Rachel Holborn - CameraSport via Getty Images) /
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HULL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Hull City and Liverpool at KCOM Stadium on February 4, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Hull City and Liverpool at KCOM Stadium on February 4, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

Fatigue

Only 12 matches remain in the Premier League season for Liverpool. With just a point separating the club from Champions League qualification, Jurgen Klopp and his players should feel good about their overall chances of being part of next season’s competition.

But the club have been down this road before, and their style of play can bring about a negative impact as the campaign unfolds.

Klopp’s “gegenpressing” philosophy can be a force when utilised effectively. With constant movement from the midfielders, quick passing combinations and the unstoppable pace of a player like Sadio Mane at the top of the line-up, Liverpool have the capability to score in bunches.

But this approach that brought such excitement last season can be draining for the players, and ultimately played a part in missing out on the top four a year ago. Their painful exits in both the EFL Cup and Europa League finals were impacted as well.

When presented with more possession and less counter-attacking play, as was the case at Leicester, Liverpool can struggle. A fatigued side not playing to their strengths could add up to missing out on the Champions League.

A change in tactics or personnel may be on the cards as Liverpool’s season continues.

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