Liverpool Encounters an Unprecedented Seasonal Opportunity, and Jürgen Klopp Aims to Capitalize While Joe Gomez Seeks Redemption.
Liverpool’s Glorious Past and the Unexpected Opportunity Ahead Under Klopp.
Liverpool fans affectionately dubbed their team “Champions of everything” during a remarkable era under Jürgen Klopp. This period of success also led to the creation of the ‘unbearables’ label, which, in reality, was a testament to the Reds’ incredible achievements. For a few months, Klopp’s squad simultaneously held the Premier League title, Champions League trophy, and Club World Cup crown, solidifying their status as champions of England, Europe, and the world.
However, Bayern Munich’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final marked the end of Liverpool’s reign as holders of all three honors, with the German side later adding the Club World Cup to their collection. Pep Guardiola’s team then reclaimed the Premier League title. Yet, the absolute dominance displayed by Klopp’s team during that period deserves more acknowledgment beyond the confines of Anfield.
While Klopp’s primary focus is undoubtedly on the future and recapturing those coveted titles with his next Liverpool squad, the current season offers a different challenge – the Europa League.
This unexpected opportunity presents Klopp with a chance to rectify an oversight. Despite Liverpool’s claim of being champions of everything, a common assertion, there’s a technicality to consider. The triumphs in the FA Cup and League Cup in 2021/22 did not complete Klopp’s collection of available silverware. This is because Liverpool participated in the Europa League during Klopp’s inaugural season at the club. In fact, they came tantalizingly close to beginning his tenure with a European trophy but were thwarted by Sevilla, known masters of the competition.
While Klopp would have preferred to avoid the situation entirely, the reality of Liverpool’s participation in the Europa League now beckons, providing an opportunity to secure the manager’s full array of trophies. Beyond this objective, there are additional advantages, perhaps even more significant ones. Recent seasons have shown how clubs like Arsenal have utilized the Europa League to nurture emerging talent. Klopp now has the chance to mold a new generation of Liverpool stars.
Although Joe Gomez doesn’t immediately fall into this category, he stands as the sole remaining Liverpool player from the Sevilla loss, albeit he was sidelined due to a serious cruciate injury sustained just days after Klopp’s arrival. Remarkably, Gomez is still only 26 years old. With Virgil van Dijk and Joël Matip six years his senior, he is eager to stake his claim as the long-term defensive heir—a role he has seemingly been primed for over the past half-decade.
The Europa League could serve as Gomez’s platform for a resurgence. While the group stages may not provide the sternest tests, a deep run in the competition could prove cathartic.
Picture this: Liverpool reaches the final, and this time, Gomez is fully fit and ready to contribute. He plays a pivotal role as Klopp secures his last missing trophy, with the defender anchoring the Europa League campaign from the heart of the defense. This scenario could be precisely what Gomez needs to rejuvenate his Anfield career.
Liverpool is poised to transform this narrative into reality soon, commencing its Europa League campaign against LASK in just 10 days. Klopp and Gomez are undoubtedly embarking on a mission to seize this unexpected opportunity.