Prior to the season-ending Premier League match at Southampton, Liverpool supporter Nick Sapia of LFC Boston offers his opinion on all the most recent Reds talking points.
Liverpool, which is aware that it cannot finish higher than fifth this year, can nevertheless cap off a challenging season by defeating a Southampton team that has already been relegated.
Before the game, we spoke with Liverpool supporter Nick Sapia from LFC Boston about the Reds, including the next season and what the summer transfer market would bring.
No matter what happens in the games over the weekend, Liverpool will finish fifth. How do we evaluate the entire season?
There is no avoiding it; it has been disappointing. The club was highly erratic generally, although it occasionally displayed flashes of its potential. The season was summed up in the first leg against Real Madrid: they were capable of defeating anyone, but they simply had too many mistakes, mental lapses, and defensive problems to be able to finish off games and produce results.
They undoubtedly found something in the final stretch, which is encouraging for the following season, but coming in fifth and missing out on the Champions League is a tremendous setback.
James Milner and Roberto Firmino’s final game will be this one. Added day of feeling!
Undoubtedly the end of an era. Although last week’s goal was emotional, it was a fitting way for Roberto Firmino to complete his Anfield career. In these recent years, he has been at the epicenter of everything positive that has occurred, smiling the entire while. We will sadly miss the delight with which he plays. Hopefully today’s away end will witness one final “Si Seor” serenade.
Likewise James Milner. He simply performed the team’s needs as they arose. He is simply a true professional who was quite beneficial to have. The thought of playing against him in the upcoming season makes me dreadful!
The Liverpool team will undergo a great deal of upheaval this summer. What do you want the summer to bring?
I’m most eager to put a stop to all the transfer rumors and determine who will be on the team for the upcoming season. First and foremost, I hope they move fast to complete the acquisition of Alexis MacAllister, who will be the pivotal player in the midfield for the upcoming campaign. We’re learning additional details about two other suspected prospects who are probably moving on to other opportunities: Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte. Whether it’s Ryan Gravenberch or someone else, I believe Liverpool can still entice other desirable targets. Khéphren Thuram is still someone I really want to see in Liverpool.
As they need to ensure they sign midfielders who can play in each of the roles — the attacking midfielder (replacing Henderson), the left-sided midfielder (to rotate with Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcântara), and the defensive midfielder (Fabinho will need rest, and there are questions surrounding Stefan Bajeti given his age), three midfield players in that mold give Liverpool options and flexibility.
The next major need is at center defense, and I’m not sure if they should give the left or right side more priority given how well Andy Robertson has done in the new tactical system. Nevertheless, a left-sided center back would be a welcome addition. Ibou Konaté is essential to the system that enables Trent to go into midfield, but he can’t play in every game, therefore Liverpool needs to have depth there.
What do you envision for the upcoming season? Do you think Liverpool has the best chance of reclaiming the league’s top spot from Manchester City?
Liverpool and Manchester City should resume their regular title-duel rivalry, in my opinion. Liverpool is the only team capable of outlasting City in the limited capacity that it is viable to oppose them. Arsenal had a fantastic season, but it ran out of gas; they won’t reach 90 points. So long as no other side can score 90 points, City and Liverpool are my picks.
Being eliminated from the Champions League is devastating because they always have a chance to win it. However, the Europa League will be competitive and, at the very least, important in providing extra playing time to help a team with several new players gel. Finally, I believe they’ll challenge for the league championship, and I am eager for the new season to begin.
