Liverpool’s failure to mount a challenge for the Premier League title this season undoubtedly caught many football pundits by surprise.
Liverpool are a long way adrift of the top four places – a big fall from grace for a club that had become accustomed to battling for the title.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had finished in the top four of the Premier League in each of the six previous seasons, although they only managed to win the league once during that period.
However, looking back further in time paints an intriguing picture about Liverpool’s chances of forcing their way back into contention next term.
During the previous 25 seasons the Premier League has been in existence, Liverpool finished in the top four on 13 occasions.
Given the club is widely considered to be one of the big hitters in the English top flight, it would be fair to say their overall record is underwhelming.
Despite this, most leading bookmakers will take a cautious approach when setting the odds for the 2023/24 campaign.
The top Premier League betting sites will likely make Liverpool one of the favourites to challenge for the title, but it would be a brave move to back them to achieve the feat.
Finishing in the top four may even prove to be beyond Klopp’s side, with his squad requiring significant improvements during the summer transfer window.
Defensive reinforcements are needed, particularly with star centre-back Virgil van Dijk no longer performing at his best after suffering a serious injury.
Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back would also be a sensible move given his inability to get to grips with the art of defending.
Midfield is another area in need of attention, with the current crop of players either too old, injury prone or not up to the required standard.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, the cost of making the necessary improvements to their squad may prove to be beyond the means of their current owners.
Fenway Sports Group are not renowned for their extravagant spending, which will make it difficult for Klopp to make the required changes.
The strength of their Premier League rivals will also present a massive obstacle to Liverpool’s hopes of forcing their way back into the top four.
Arsenal and Manchester City are streets ahead of the Reds at the moment and are guaranteed to improve their respective squads this summer.
Manchester United are much improved under manager Erik ten Hag and will fancy their chances of mounting a serious title challenge next season.
With Chelsea unlikely to have another season as bad as the current one and newly-minted Newcastle United in the mix, the size of Liverpool’s task is plain to see.
Liverpool fans have had plenty to shout about in recent seasons, but they may have to get used to the club lagging behind their Premier League rivals again.
