In his first interview since the Reds’ preseason workouts resumed, Jurgen Klopp expressed his happiness with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai’s positive first weeks with the team.

The number eight and number 10 shirts at Anfield are a clear reminder of how significant the pair, who were signed for a combined £95 million this summer, will be in the years to come.

When questioned about their first three preseason days, Klopp responded, “Very happy!”

“Two excellent players. Immediately, I started to consider Nicknames, and I felt it would be a fantastic Nickname for Alexis. Gary McAllister, please! Of course, he plays football fairly well, just like Dom.

“I was quite clear when we signed them, the boys know about football so they were immediately like, ‘Oh my God…’ so that’s really nice. The public reception was pretty decent, internally it was outstanding.

“Now that they are here, I must add that they didn’t take long to make an impression on the field as well, so that’s good.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s boss also commented on his new or old appearance: “Some changes, Trent cut his hair – [back to] the most successful haircut in his career, so he sacrificed the cool look for success, I like that!”

In the words of Klopp, “we are full of energy” and “the boys are really ready to work, that’s the first impression I got.”

We all know that we want to demonstrate a reaction, and the reaction doesn’t start on the first matchday, it starts with the first training day, he added, emphasizing how last season’s failings must be corrected this year. That was obvious; that is how we left and returned. Yes, when everyone returned, there was a noticeable buzz.

 

In order to acquire money for a few more acquisitions, Liverpool could sell Thiago during the summer season.

In preparation for a pivotal season that will see Liverpool miss out on the Champions League for the first time since 2016–17, Jurgen Klopp is overhauling the team’s midfield.

The Anfield team has lost players like James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita. In contrast, the German manager has added Alexis Mac Aillster and Dominik Szoboszlai, bringing down the average age of his midfield and enhancing its fluidity. There will undoubtedly be one or two more additions throughout the transfer window.

In terms of departures, Klopp might let go of a few more players to reduce his payroll and free up cash for additional purchases, and Thiago Alcantara might make a surprise exit.

The 32-year-old Thiago reportedly met with Galatasaray vice president Erden Timur to discuss joining the club this summer, and with the 32-year-old closer to the end of his career than the beginning, it could prove to be a great chance for the Reds to raise some money.

Due to some injury concerns, he only started 22 times in all competitions last season. Klopp will be seeking to bring in someone much younger. Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has been linked with a move, and he may be the ideal successor to the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich great.

Could Thiago be replaced by Marcos Llorente?

The Madrid star ranks in the top 3% across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90 (3.43) and in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (3.15) whereas Thiago made only 0.92 progressive carries per 90 and took just 0.58 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, indicating Llorente would give Klopp a much more dangerous option.

Although Thiago made more tackles per game (2.4), what Llorente offers going forward is potentially more important to Klopp. The midfielder was third in the Atletico squad for big chances created and fourth for key passes per game while even displaying his defensive acumen by making 1.5 tackles per game, enough to rank him seventh out of the entire team.

He was praised for being “athletic” by presenter Phil Kitromilides, and talent scout Jacek Kulig said just a few years ago that “Marcos Llorente has become an incredible footballer.” It appears that he has improved over the past several seasons.

It seems obvious to replace Thiago with the Spanish international with 18 caps. Thaigo’s 2022–23 season may need to be ended by injury, therefore it might be time to sell him for a sum that would enable the Reds to chase Llorente, a midfielder who is four years younger and poses a larger danger going forward.