How long did Liverpool go without wining the Premier League?

I was born seven years after Liverpool's last title triumph in the First Division and so for 23 years of my life, the Reds went without lifting the title despite finding sporadic success in other competitions.

Despite going three decades without lifting a league trophy, Liverpool were not entirely unsuccessful, winning two European Cups between their two most recent title wins.

However, there is no denying that going 30 years without winning the league has to be considered one of the biggest failures of Liverpool FC in recent history.

It wasn't for a lack of trying, however, for a long time they failed to match the might of the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Even Leicester City were able to win the title before Liverpool eventually won a league title again under Jurgen Klopp. The club's maiden Premier League trophy put an end to the ceaseless jokes from my friends who support rival clubs.

Let's take a closer look at the reasons behind Liverpool's 30-year title drought.

The reasons behind Liverpool's 30-year title drought

There isn't a single reason that can explain how a club as prolific at winning trophies as Liverpool were before the new millennium suddenly fails to win a single league title.

So, here's a breakdown of the reasons why Liverpool took so long to follow their title win in 1989/90 with another league title.

1. Managerial Instability: 

• Frequent changes in management: After the success under managers like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and Kenny Dalglish in the 70s and 80s, Liverpool faced a period of managerial instability. The club saw several managers come and go, including Graeme Souness, Roy Evans, and Gerard Houllier, which affected team consistency and performance.
• Lack of long-term vision: Each manager brought different tactics and player preferences, preventing the team from developing a consistent style of play and long-term strategy.

2. Financial Constraints and Poor Transfers

• Outspent by rivals: During the 90s and 2000s, Liverpool often found themselves financially outgunned by rivals like Manchester United, Chelsea, and later Manchester City, who invested heavily in world-class talents.
• Poor transfer decisions: The club made several high-profile transfer mistakes, spending significant amounts on players who failed to make an impact, while rivals made more astute signings.

3. Rise of Competitors

• Strengthening of traditional rivals: Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal became dominant forces in the 90s and early 2000s, under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, respectively.
• Emergence of new powers: The rise of Chelsea and Manchester City, fueled by significant financial investment from their owners, introduced new powerhouses in English football, increasing competition for the title.

4. Infrastructure and Club Management

• Delay in modernising Anfield: Liverpool were slow to upgrade their stadium and facilities to match the revenue generation capabilities of their rivals, impacting their financial competitiveness.
• Ownership issues: The club faced significant off-the-field distractions, including the controversial reign of owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, which culminated in a legal battle and sale of the club in 2010, destabilising the club during crucial periods.

5. Psychological Factors and Pressure

• Burden of history: The weight of expectation to match the successes of the 70s and 80s placed immense pressure on players and managers alike, sometimes leading to underperformance in critical moments.
• Near misses: Liverpool came close to winning the title on several occasions (e.g., 2008-09, 2013-14 seasons) but fell short at crucial junctures, which could have psychological impacts on the team's belief and confidence.

How Liverpool banished their league title bogey in 2020 in spectacular fashion

Liverpool's league title victory in the 2019-2020 season ended a 30-year wait filled with near misses, heartbreaks, and often, sheer bad luck.

Their triumph was not just a victory but a statement. Led by manager Jurgen Klopp, they returned to the very top.

Here's how Liverpool banished their league title bogey in spectacular fashion:

The Klopp Effect

Jürgen Klopp's arrival at Liverpool in October 2015 marked the beginning of a transformative era for the club.

Klopp brought with him a philosophy of "heavy metal football" characterised by high-energy, high pressing and an emphasis on team cohesion over individual stardom.

His leadership rejuvenated the team and reinvigorated the fanbase with hope and belief.

Building a Balanced Team

Liverpool's recruitment strategy was nothing short of exemplary.

Key signings such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker, among others, were instrumental to their success.

These players not only filled critical positions but also brought a high level of performance consistency. Van Dijk solidified a previously leaky defense, Alisson brought reliability between the posts, while Salah and Mané terrorized defenses with their pace, skill, and goal-scoring prowess.

A Record-Breaking Season

The 2019/2020 season saw Liverpool playing scintillating football, characterized by their relentless pressing, quick transitions, and clinical finishing. They won the title with 99 points, a tally only bettered by Manchester City's 100 points in the 2017/2018 season.

Liverpool set a record for the fastest time to win the title, securing it with seven games to spare.

They also became the first team in Premier League history to beat all 19 teams in a single season, showcasing their dominance.

Overcoming Challenges

The season was not without its challenges, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global sports to a standstill. Despite the interruption and the subsequent behind-closed-doors matches, Liverpool maintained their focus and determination.

The pandemic could have derailed their momentum, but instead, they adapted and overcame the uncertainty that affected all teams.

The Mental and Tactical Edge

Klopp instilled a winning mentality in the team, focusing on mental toughness and collective effort.

Tactically, Liverpool were versatile, capable of winning through lightning-fast counter-attacks or breaking down stubborn defenses with intricate play.

Their high defensive line, spearheaded by Van Dijk and complemented by full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, contributed both defensively and offensively.

Legacy and Impact

Liverpool's title win was a testament to the power of effective leadership, strategic planning, and the collective spirit of a team and its supporters.

It was a victory that transcended the season, marking the return of one of football's most storied clubs to the pinnacle of English football.

How they won - the points tally, the records broken, and the style of play - ensured that this Liverpool team would be remembered as one of the Premier League's greatest sides.

The 2019/2020 title was more than just a trophy; it was the culmination of years of effort to return Liverpool to the top of English football. It was achieved with style, resilience, and an indomitable spirit that defined Liverpool's journey from title drought to champions.