On The BallLiverpool are having a remarkable season, a few losses doesn’t change that and could spur them to greater heights

Three losses in four games have left some downcast in a superb season

Jurgen Klopp’s side could be at the dawn of a golden era

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Liverpool players look dejected after Chelsea knocked them out of the FA Cup earlier this week. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:33pm, 6 Mar 2020Updated: 1:45pm, 3 Apr 2020

It had to happen. Even the best teams experience a blip. Liverpool’s mini-slump has come at a good time.

When the season opened there were concerns over whether Jurgen Klopp’s squad had the staying power to complete a successful title race. The summer transfer window closed without any outfield reinforcements. Back in August, the prospect of a long season loomed. Potential booby traps appeared predictable. The Club World Cup in Qatar piled on extra games just before the exhausting festive programme kicked in. Fears of tiredness, injuries and loss of form hung around in the background even as Liverpool stormed to a double-digit lead at the top of the Premier League.

The inevitable has finally occurred. Losing three matches out of four is always disappointing but for it to happen when Liverpool are 22 points clear at the top of the table with just 10 games left and still in the Champions League is a cause for celebration. Crisis? What Crisis?

The 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League started the losing sequence and is the only defeat with any real significance for Klopp. The manager’s mission at the beginning of the season was to bring the Premier League trophy to Anfield and win the title for the first time in three decades. This has been all but achieved. The 3-0 setback at Watford merely delays the presentation ceremony: Liverpool will be champions of England very soon.

Being ejected from the FA Cup by Chelsea on Tuesday was frustrating for fans but, like it or not, the competition is an afterthought for Klopp. The 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge was almost greeted with a shrug.

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Three losses in four games have left some downcast in a superb season Jurgen Klopp’s side could be at the dawn of a golden era

Three losses in four games have left some downcast in a superb season

Jurgen Klopp’s side could be at the dawn of a golden era