Three things Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp must prioritise during the international break

The January transfer window and Mo Salah’s contract simply have to be looked at during the pause of fixtures.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been snapped jetting off to Norway escape the flak he’s been receiving from Manchester United fans and the media alike.

However, Jurgen Klopp might well eschew a return to his native Germany during the international break.

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Sure, the Liverpool boss could opt to take a few days and rejuvenate himself during the hiatus of the season. It’s been manic so far.

But, ever the workaholic with tunnel vision on delivering succees, that might not be for long.

Although fixtures are paused as 15 members of the Liverpool squad meet up with their respective nations, Klopp will be wary he can prioritise his time elsewhere.

There are several things at Anfield that will likely keep him busy over the next 10 days or so - and three must be a priority.

Defensive improvements

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Those watching events unfold at the London Stadium on Sunday couldn't quite believe what they were witnessing.

Time and time again, West Ham cut through Liverpool's defence without mercy. Few could complain about the Hammers' 3-2 victory. In truth, the scoreline could have been more emphatic.

 Pablo Fornals rounded off a swift counter-attack for West Ham in their defeat of Liverpool. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Images Pablo Fornals rounded off a swift counter-attack for West Ham in their defeat of Liverpool. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Pablo Fornals rounded off a swift counter-attack for West Ham in their defeat of Liverpool. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The Reds were well below part in the rearguard. That is despite them arguably having their best back four on show in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.

It's not like the performance was a one-off, either. Klopp's side let in three goals in a draw with Brentford and two at home against Brighton.

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For some reason, Liverpool look nowhere near as impervious as in previous seasons and it needs remedying. They can't rely on outscoring the opposition every game.

In fairness, the Reds have the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, shipping 11 goals in as many matches.

Yet that's almost double what Manchester City (six) and triple what Chelsea (four) have conceded.

The old adage from Sir Alex Ferguson was that attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.

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If Liverpool harbour realistic ambitions of regaining their crown then they need to tighten up at the back.

The concern at West Ham was the high line that continued to be exposed. The visitors were highly vulnerable on the counter.

Although Virgil van Dijk is on Holland duty, there is still Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez who Klopp can work on things with.

Potential January targets

Liverpool's fixture list in the opening three months of the season has been relentless.

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With games in the league, Champions League and advancement into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, there's likely been little time to sit back and take stock.

And with the hectic festive period just around the corner, things are set to continue that way in a few weeks.

There's probably been little time for Klopp to sit in his office and have a sustained period where he can plan ahead. That's what he's afforded for the next week.

It's less than two months until the January transfer window opens.

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Traditionally, the Reds haven't recruited during the winter. Last season, Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak (loan) were only brought in from Preston and Schalke respectively because of the defensive crisis.

Ben Davies applauds the Anfield crowd after Liverpool’s pre-season friendly win over Osasuna earlier this month. Picture: Lewis Storey/ Getty ImagessBen Davies applauds the Anfield crowd after Liverpool’s pre-season friendly win over Osasuna earlier this month. Picture: Lewis Storey/ Getty Imagess
Ben Davies applauds the Anfield crowd after Liverpool’s pre-season friendly win over Osasuna earlier this month. Picture: Lewis Storey/ Getty Imagess

Still, Liverpool have to be ready to react should any potential deals arise.

Klopp will be aware of the positions he could strengthen and be abreast of the players he might be able to recruit.

While another subdued window might be around the corner, the Reds still have to be prepared as best as possible.

Contracts

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Another thing Klopp could be plotting is the future of some of his current squad.

At the end of the season, James Milner sees his contract expire.

The veteran midfielder is still a highly-valued member of the squad and his influence in the dressing room is pivotal. However, aged 35, Milner's coming towards the end of his career and Liverpool might decide to upgrade.

It's 2023 in which three key players' deals conclude.

Mo Salah celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Man Utd. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesMo Salah celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Man Utd. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Mo Salah celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Man Utd. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
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Then there's Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino's contracts to also sort.

Firmino's just turned 30 and Mane's not long off that figure. Owners Fenway Sports Group have been sceptical to hand out lucrative, long-term deals to those of a similar age.

It's why there's been some hold up with Salah and why Gini Wijnaldum departed last summer.

In addition, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's respective contracts also conclude in 18 months' time. They also will need addressing sooner rather than later.