Liverpool drew with Aston Villa on Monday night in a game that encapsulated their season.
Having done well to get themselves 3-1 ahead at a difficult place to come, the Reds looked set for an impressive three points.
But with just five minutes remaining, Liverpool shot themselves in the foot. A sloppy mistake was punished by Jhon Duran, who went on to get himself a fluky second just minutes later.
In terms of the bigger picture, the result means nothing to Liverpool. Already cemented in third place, the Reds have sealed their position for this season.
Although dashed dreams of the title leave a disappointing taste, it’s still been a year of big improvement at Anfield. And according to Jurgen Klopp, that’s something that should not be taken for granted.
Jurgen Klopp says something ‘nobody wants to hear’
This time last year, Liverpool were also playing for nothing. However, back then it was a Champions League place that they’d already blown. This year it’s the title.
When all is said and done, the Reds will not be too far away from the top of the table. After some of the dross that was served up in 2022/23, that’s a positive step.
Of course, the big disappointment is that Liverpool were not able to send Klopp off as a two-time Premier League champion. But the truth is that that should never really have been on for the Reds. And speaking in his post-match press conference after Monday’s draw, Klopp was keen to point that out.
“For me, the story of the season is that the boys have really, really good character and a sensational attitude – that’s why we were here today and that’s why we have now 79 points,” claimed the manager.
“I know nobody wants to hear it, but being this season the third-best team in the league from where we came from is a statement as well. It’s improvement with a lot of changes and I like it.
“I am not over the moon about it but obviously for a week or two we’ve had to accept we cannot be the best or the second-best team in the league, [but] that’s a good basis for the future and that’s all you can ask for.”
Will Liverpool compete for the title in 24/25
This is really the million dollar question. For now, it’s kind of impossible to answer exactly where Liverpool will be next season.
The quality in the first-team squad is obviously high. Arne Slot is inheriting a good group who aren’t too far away from being serious contenders again.
With young players a year older and potential key men like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister with a year at the club under their belts, things should improve.
Had Klopp been still at the helm, you’d have backed Liverpool to kick on again. A title-tilt would once again be the expectation at Anfield.
However, those calculations will have to be recalibrated for Slot’s arrival. As Klopp says, there’s a great basis for the Dutch coach to build on. Whether he does or not, well that remains to be seen. Ask us again in September.