Liverpool have urgent transfer issue to solve after two influential players allowed to leave

If Jurgen Klopp was intent on making life easier for his successor as Liverpool manager, the last few weeks was nevertheless not quite what he had in mind.

From being what appeared an almost impossible act to follow as the Reds chased down an unprecedented trophy quadruple, that there will almost certainly be just the League Cup to show for his exhausted team's efforts in the campaign underlines there is significant scope for improvement for whoever follows the German, with Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot edging nearer a move to Anfield.

Indeed, Liverpool's stuttering form since their return from last month's international break has acted as a painful reminder of how further the Reds must still travel to regain a regular berth among the Premier League elite.

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Even the most optimistic Reds supporter would admit Klopp's side have overachieved this season, regardless of the plethora of injury absences that have ultimately caught up with them during the run-in.

The leap from fifth to first is a difficult one - Arsenal failed in similar fashion last term - particularly with Liverpool having been compelled to completely rebuild their midfield last summer. And it's the engine room, or at the very least part of it, that will again need to be addressed in the coming transfer window.

That the meek surrender in the derby has prompted questions over Liverpool's lack of mental strength is somewhat harsh given they have won 27 points from losing positions this term and lifted the League Cup at Wembley in adverse circumstances. Hardly the sign of weak