Why Klopp is foolish to refuse Liverpool’s offer of winter coffers

The bubble surrounding Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival burst with defeat against Newcastle a fortnight ago and, as yet, the German has failed to form another membrane around his squad in the outings since.

A pair of draws across the Europa League and Premier League have followed the 2-0 loss to the Magpies and, as a result, there have been understandable noises made about new signings arriving in January.

However, in an act of patience rarely seen in new managers, Klopp has reportedly declined the Fenway Sports Group’s offer to fund yet another Anfield recruitment drive.

While many may see that as a sensible move considering the January sales are notoriously difficult to find value for money in, the former Borussia Dortmund tactician turning down the first chance to mould Liverpool in his image is the wrong decision.

Despite generally-pleasing results since he replaced Brendan Rodgers at the helm, shortcomings that were present during the Northern Irishman’s tenure have resurfaced under Klopp.

The most obvious of those is the flapping tendencies of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who was at fault for West Brom’s first goal in the 2-2 draw last time out and is responsible for more errors leading directly to goals than any other Premier League player over the last three seasons.

Liverpool’s number one is not held in particularly glowing regard on Merseyside beyond Klopp, who repeatedly backs his Belgian stopper and is keen to tie up a contract renewal for the player.

Mignolet’s panic-inspiring aside, the Reds have sometimes struggled to create goalscoring opportunities when playing at home and their infamous counter-attacking gegenpress system isn’t required.

Their defence is also a worryingly inconsistent unit that is stretched thin by injuries to centre-back pairing Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho. Buying a backup option more spritely than the 34-year-old Kolo Toure may be one sensible way for Klopp to spend money in January.

Viable back-ups to overused first-choice full-backs Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne wouldn’t go amiss either.

As it is things look to remain untouched until the summer, meaning the club’s 21/20-rated top-four chances rest on the current squad.

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