Billy Hogan’s thoughts on Liverpool’s financial adaptation to life outside of the Champions League is sure to invite some raised eyebrows from fans online.
The club’s chief executive admitted that, as a sustainably run outfit, the Merseysiders have had to ‘react accordingly’ to the new financial reality.
“Obviously, it creates a difference from a revenue standpoint, and we have to operate accordingly,” the FSG man told The Athletic. “Our goal is to run the club sustainably. When you are missing revenue from the Champions League, you have to react accordingly — and we’ve done that.”
Evidently, this has had an impact on the Reds’ spending in the window – a situation perhaps best epitomised by the ongoing negotiations with Southampton for Romeo Lavia.
In the spirit of fairness, it’s worth acknowledging that Liverpool obviously don’t possess the kind of financial might of the likes of a Manchester City or Newcastle United.
That said, given how it was already clear we needed a third midfield signing – at a time when we presumed Jordan Henderson and Fabinho would be part of our 2023/24 plans – a failure to land the Belgian international at this stage, following an influx of over £50m, would be unforgivable.
If we must adapt, then we’ll adapt, though not at the cost of a genuine number six when only Stefan Bajcetic is considered a viable option.
Klopp will ‘consider quitting’ Liverpool unless two targets are met as boss makes ‘private’ admission
According to reports, Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp will ‘consider quitting’ the Premier League giants next year if this season goes poorly.
Klopp is undoubtedly one of the best managers in Liverpool’s history as he has helped them win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
It was confirmed in April 2022 that Klopp has penned a new contract that runs until 2026. It was initially expected that he would take a break at the end of the 2023/24 campaign as his previous deal was due to expire in 2024.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss came under real pressure last season as Liverpool endured an underwhelming campaign after they challenged for the quadruple in 2021/22.
Liverpool came on strong during the run-in but their form earlier in the season left them with too much to do as they ended up finishing 5th in the Premier League.
The Reds have been focused on overhauling their midfield this summer. Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have all left, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have joined the club for a combined fee of around £95m.
Liverpool are now attempting to sign £50m-rated Romeo Lavia from Southampton, but they are now facing serious competition from Chelsea, who offered £48m for the 19-year-old this week.
Football Transfers are now reporting that Klopp is ‘considering quitting’ Liverpool in 2024 ‘unless the Reds enjoy a successful campaign and his targets are met in the transfer window’. The report adds.
‘We are told that the German coach has privately admitted that he thinks he’s taken the squad as far as he can, while he has become frustrated at the lack of investment from FSG this summer.’
This summer has been frustrating for Liverpool, but it is difficult to imagine Klopp considering his future at this time, with three years left on his deal and just a couple of days before the 2023/24 season starts.
Earlier this summer, Klopp was tipped to become Germany’s next head coach but he insisted that he “can’t just leave Liverpool now”.
“The job of national coach is and would be a great honour — there’s no question about that,” Klopp said.
“The problem that stands in the way of the whole thing is my loyalty. I can’t just leave Liverpool now and say I’ll take over Germany for a short time. That doesn’t work and the request isn’t even there.”