Liverpool are top of the Premier League, a single point ahead of their title rivals Manchester City.
Despite that, the general feeling from the English media, and many fans, is that Pep Guardiola’s men will simply be too good over the full season to allow Jurgen Klopp to claim that much wanted league title.
Monday’s edition of Marca has a look at Liverpool’s improvement this season, and unsurprisingly they put it all down to better defending. Describing the team last season, it’s stated: ‘They played Russian roulette, back and forth and to score more than the rival. And their foundations wobbled.’
The signings of Virgil van Dijk and then Alisson obviously helped to change that, and there’s credit given to Klopp for firming up at the back whilst not losing that verve going forward.
At the end of their article, Marca have a little ‘debate’ section, in which they ask four journalists whether the Reds really can beat Pep’s men and win the Premier League.
The journalists are split down the middle.
First those very much saying ‘Si!’.
Jon Prada: ‘Liverpool have everything to win this Premier. They keep Salah, Mané… and their offensive power and have improved at the back with Alisson. Klopp has designed a reliable defence … that can win the title and beat City.’
Enrique Medina: ‘If there is someone who can with City… it’s Liverpool. The data proves this. Leaders. Unbeaten. Safe at the back and without losing the punch. Klopp has ‘drawn’ a team capable to keep up with the pace of City this year.”
And then those siding with Guardiola and co.
Victor Romero: ‘It’s one thing ‘Pool’ holding the City, which is the best squad of the Premier. It is not that I don’t believe that Liverpool can win, but that I think City will hold out better.’
Rafa Mainez: ‘The level of the City of Pep remains incontestable The first defeat came in the Premier, yes. But the rhythm of the skyblues is hard to match. City is the one who scores the most and dominates the game best. That’s a fact.’
