If we go back several months, Liverpool were competing to secure an historic quadruple. The Reds had the League Cup and the FA Cup in the bag and faced Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Going into the last match of the season in the Premier League, Liverpool had a chance of winning the title and for a moment, they were top of the table.
Jürgen Klopp said his team deserved no more than a draw following the #EmiratesFACup meeting with Wolves 👇— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 7, 2023
Jürgen Klopp said his team deserved no more than a draw following the #EmiratesFACup meeting with Wolves 👇
However, Manchester City beat Aston Villa meaning Liverpool finished second and they lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
It was a disappointing end to what could have been a magnificent campaign and perhaps the feeling of what could have been is hindering Liverpool this season.
To have come so close to making history by winning all four major trophies in one season and having it slip away in agonising fashion could leave some players with a lack of motivation for the following campaign.
That is not to say it is a deliberate downing of tools by the players but subconsciously there is a feeling that the team is never going to get a better chance of history.
Whatever the mindset might be at Anfield, there is no getting away from the fact injuries have been a major issue for Jurgen Klopp this season.
Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Naby Keita, Joel Matip, Thiago, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ibrahima Konate, and Arthur have all had extended spells on the treatment table. Virgil van Dijk has recently picked up a hamstring injury and at the time of writing, there is no date for his return to the team, which is worrying.
Every team in the Premier League would struggle without three or four key players if they were unavailable and that is what has happened for Liverpool this season.
However, failing to sign a quality central midfielder in the summer is costing Liverpool. Fabinho has been well below his best for much of the season and Thiago has been injured at times.
Arthur came in on loan from Juventus but has been injured and Harvey Elliot has struggled when asked to play in central midfield but there will be better to come from the 19 year old in the future.
As far as the winter transfer window is concerned, Liverpool have signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven but is the forward what Liverpool need right now?
With the midfield trio failing to function, it is undermining the performance of the team. Liverpool like to play a high line but the midfield is being bullied by the opposition and that is leaving the Liverpool defence exposed.
Teams know they can get at the Liverpool defence and in most cases, a simple ball over the top is all that is required to put them in trouble.
The Premier League title is probably out of reach for Liverpool, despite not being halfway through the season. They face Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 and if they lose that tie, it could be a hugely disappointing season.