Liverpool next manager may thank Jurgen Klopp for injuries that are blighting final season

Jurgen Klopp preparing to wave farewell with Liverpool challenging on four fronts underlines how the German has transformed fortunes during his time at Anfield.

But there's one way in which Klopp's near nine-year reign is ending in much the same manner it started: a spate of hamstring injuries.

The news Thiago Alcantara suffered such a muscle problem on his long-awaited comeback at Arsenal on Sunday made the unlucky Spaniard the latest Liverpool player to be struck lame with the injury this season.

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It's a throwback to the first season under Klopp, when his desire for a high-pressing, high-octane game was at odds with the physical condition to which many of his players had become attuned under Brendan Rodgers and previous regimes. It took a while for the squad to adjust to what was required.

In the years since, the problems have lessened as the Reds have adjusted both their level of intensity - the team between 2018 and 2022 demonstrated far more control and nous in picking and choosing when to counter-press - and have discovered how best to cope with each individual player's fitness.

This season, though, is a new team still learning its way and its limits. And a notable increase in energy levels has led to an uptick in hamstring problems.

Liverpool's relentless schedule this season - they have already played 36 games with at least another 19 to come, and could end up matching their 2021/22 tally of 63 - has led to Klopp heavily rotating his squad. But attempts to manage minutes and lessen the workload have been hampered by other injuries, often long-term,