Why Liverpool’s exit from the FA Cup is a significant blow to Jürgen Klopp’s tenure at Anfield

As Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup after a 3-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in the fourth round of the competition on the weekend.

Jürgen Klopp has not been able to put his record in the competition right and another inquest into his Liverpool tenure began.

The FA Cup hasn’t been kind to Klopp since his Liverpool reign began and despite leading the Reds to showpiece finals in the League Cup and the Europa League, he is yet to reach the fifth round of the world’s oldest knockout competition for three consecutive years.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, January 14, 2018: West Bromwich Albion’s Jay Rodriguez celebrates scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Saturday night’s showdown with Premier League strugglers West Brom was his chance to put that right but he failed to do so, with another uninspiring performance from the Reds that somewhat exceeded the demoralising 1-0 defeat to Swansea earlier that week and October’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham.

Klopp’s near-full strength starting line-up wasn’t beaten by a deep defensive setup on this occasion, but instead by a team that completely out-played and out-fought the hosts on the day.

The deserving nature of Liverpool’s humiliation sparked urgent requests for ruthless changes to be made by Klopp, with fans angered by the prospect of yet again failing to win a trophy.

With the Premier League trophy looking increasingly out of reach, the Champions League remains Liverpool’s last and undeniably slim chance of winning something this season having exited two cup competitions already.

READ MORE: Why Sadio Mané’s lack of form will be a real concern for Jürgen Klopp

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, January 14, 2018: Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp reacts during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Klopp is a likeable character. He embodies the heart of the Kop, yet there are questions to be asked regarding the way he prepares his team for strenuous mental examinations. The German has lost his last five finals as a manager, two of which have been with Liverpool in 2015-16. It is a damning indictment on his abilities as a top-level manager.

His record unbelievably mirrors that of predecessor Brendan Rodgers, leading many to question whether Klopp has had the impact the club anticipated upon hiring him. It is difficult to explain a team that looks like world champions one match, then hopelessly downtrodden the next. Is it a lack of motivation? No winning mentality? No killer instinct? I couldn’t tell you.

With a coach of Klopp’s ability and a team of Liverpool’s stature, one or two trophies should be added to the cabinet by now. Every one of the top-six rivals have one won silverware since the Reds last claimed the 2012 League Cup. Including Tottenham.

Klopp has been backed in the transfer market, especially since he eventually signed his main target, Virgil van Dijk at the start of this transfer window after a summer of stress. Klopp remains a proponent of the heavy metal, Gegenpress style of football he applied to great effect in the Bundesliga.

READ MORE: Can Danny Ings be an asset for Liverpool this season?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, January 14, 2018: Liverpool’s Danny Ings during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

He upset the odds to win consecutive league titles ahead of Bayern Munich, and also reached the Champions League final. In the Premier League, it is continually being exposed by club the Reds should be handling with comparative ease.

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Perhaps this Liverpool side doesn’t take his manic urgency seriously until confronted with a genuine challenge. His players exert all their mental and physical energy in the biggest matches but fail to reach the same levels when the stakes are low. Klopp must lead the team to new heights or he risks being labelled an underachiever.

Having lost one of his best players this month to Barcelona and choosing not to replace him, Jürgen Klopp has increased pressure on himself and has to hope that he can achieve a top-four finish and do well in the Champions League so he can attract those players he wants in his squad and can go on to win trophies.

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Source: anfieldhq.com