• Home
  • /
  • Premier League
  • /
  • Souness On Why He's Disappointed Klopp Didn't Use A Classic Alex Ferguson Tactic This Summer

Souness On Why He's Disappointed Klopp Didn't Use A Classic Alex Ferguson Tactic This Summer

Souness On Why He's Disappointed Klopp Didn't Use A Classic Alex Ferguson Tactic This Summer
Paul Moore
By Paul Moore
Share this article

On May 6th 2007, Chelsea failed to win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The result meant that Manchester United won the Premier League and they lifted the trophy on May 13th at Old Trafford.

18 days later, the club announced the signings of Sporting Lisbon winger Nani and midfielder Anderson from Porto. At the time, they were also deep into negotiations on Owen Hargreaves' imminent arrival from Bayern Munich.

Despite winning the title, Alex Ferguson was ruthless because he always understood the importance of improving a squad from a position of power. If anything, new faces in the dressing room increase the level of competition for places in the starting XI.

New signings can also help to avoid any complacency creeping into the side.

However, we've no such fears for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool because the champions remain the team to beat in England. After all, the 'Pool finished a whopping 18 points clear of their nearest challengers, Manchester City, and 33 points ahead of Manchester United.

Recommended

The champions are looking extremely strong ahead of the new season but in terms of new additions, Kostas Tsimikas is the only new arrival at Anfield.

Last season, Klopp placed his trust in some of his younger players and they delivered with the likes of Curtis Jones and Neco Williams all impressing, and it looks like they'll see even more game time this season.

Advertisement

However, speaking with Balls ahead of the launch of the new season, Liverpool hero Graeme Souness said he's a bit disappointed that Liverpool haven't added more proven quality to their squad.

I think the best time to buy players is when you are at the top because those players don't have to be an immediate success. The pressure is not all on them to come and be the difference between a team that's a 'nearly team' to being the best team. I think Manchester United have been that in the last five years, they've had to buy players and coming in, these players had to be an instant hit with massive expectation levels on them and the vast majority have not lived up to it and it's impacted on what the club has achieved.

The time to buy is when you're strong and I'm a bit disappointed in Liverpool because when you look at Man Utd in the two decades that they were dominant, Fergie did that. He knew that you buy when you're strong.

Despite his disappointment at Liverpool's quiet transfer window, Souness is confident that the young players can deliver but he still feels there are areas where Klopp can strengthen his squad.

What it's telling me is that Liverpool in the last four years have been by far the best in recruitment, which I feel is the biggest part to get right in a football club. Liverpool have been second to none in that department over the last 4/5 years. I think Jurgen feels that he has good young players that are coming through who will fill the areas he feels he needs support in.

I think he has the best back-five out there, the obvious areas to improve for me are midfield. They could do with freshening up in there and certainly, some back-up for the front players. Someone that could push them along because there's nothing like competition for places to get that extra yard out of players.

Having won five league titles and three European Cups at Anfield, the former Newcastle, Blackburn, and Liverpool manager knows what it takes to retain a league title and while he's tipping Liverpool to win back-to-back Premier League crowns, he doesn't think it's going to be easy.

I don't see Liverpool running away with it again, I still see them as favourites to retain it but it won't be easy. City and United haven't done enough to close the gap that much, but I don't see Liverpool being as consistent as they were last season.

However, I don't see Man City being so inconsistent too. Man Utd will be stronger, no doubt about it. You can see the improvements in them month-by-month. I also don't think United will be finished in the transfer market. I think they'll go again and we'll see more people bought by United before the window is finished.

As for the top four, the Sky Sports pundit is predicting more of the same with the champions being joined by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

We've still got a bit to go in the transfer window, you're looking at Liverpool, Man City, United, and Chelsea. There are question marks against Chelsea - they've brought in all this talent but these guys haven't played in the Premier League. We know they're quality and have been great in their leagues and in Europe, but the Premier League can catch foreigners out with its intensity and aggression. That's a question mark for Chelsea.

For Man Utd, I like Donny Van De Beek, I really like him. They have to get their goalkeeping situation sorted out, when is De Gea coming back to the form he had 3-5 years ago? Or else, Henderson ends up challenging him for the starting spot and edging him out. I think they've got issues there. Their back-four has to better. Up front, I don't think they've got any problems scoring goals. The introduction of Van De Beek and Fernandes will help Pogba and whoever else is in midfield.

Sky Sports is the home of the Premier League with more live matches than any other broadcaster. Watch all the action on Sky Sports and NOW TV.

SEE ALSO: Feature-Length Documentary On The Life Of The Legendary Alex Ferguson Is Being Made

Join The Monday Club Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise

Processing your request...

You are now subscribed!

Share this article

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com

Advertisement