This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Jurgen Klopp has said that he is not worried by his front three’s failure to fire on all cylinders so far this campaign.
What did he say?
Liverpool’s boss was talking prior to his side’s clash with Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday, and he was asked whether he was concerned by the form of his front three.
He replied: “I’m not concerned, not at all. You guys (journalists) always confront me with these kind of things and I’m like ‘wow, really?’
“I don’t count goals, I don’t look at these numbers. Jamie Vardy is an exceptional striker, but he has Tuesdays and Wednesdays off and is sitting on the couch watching international football so you cannot compare this.”
Could be a worry
It is surprising that questions are even being asked of the front three in particular. They already have 19 goals between them this campaign in the Premier League, and 26 in all competitions.
However, Klopp does raise an interesting point in regards to the rest Vardy is able to have this term. So far this campaign, he has played in 16 matches. Mane, Salah and Firmino have all played at least three more times for their clubs and, considering the 32-year-old has retired from England duty, he is able to put his feet up during those pesky international breaks as well. Liverpool’s triumvirate have participated in nine matches for their countries between them this term already.
In fact, across the squad, the Foxes are likely to be fresher as the season goes on. This term, Jonny Evans and Youri Tielemans have played the most matches for Brendan Rodgers’ side with 18 appearances each. There are already eight Liverpool players who have featured on more occasions, and that number is only going to increase.
The Reds already have a two-legged League Cup semi-final to worry about, and will also appear in the Club World Cup later on this month. Not only that, they are likely to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, as well. Leicester, meanwhile, have just the FA Cup as part of their schedule outside the Premier League.
As we approach the business end of the season, this could be the difference in the title race. Klopp will be happy that his team currently have an eight-point lead at the top of the table, but he will need to hope that his side do not run out of steam as the season progresses. Leicester’s freshness could give them an advantage.
In other news, a former Premier League striker says Liverpool are the favourites to sign this sought-after star.
