"It's not 100% clear" Klopp hints at new beginning for Liverpool following Napoli defeat

Liverpool's heavy defeat could mean that manager Jurgen Klopp could look to fully immerse this new team into a new beginning.

The Reds suffered their heaviest defeat in Europe for 56 years and means that their current poor run of form has become less of a one-off bad patch and more of a full-blown issue.

What is clear is that there are players underperforming and a real lack of cohesion but there are also players returning from injuries who can come back in and help raise the levels.

For Jurgen Klopp, his comments after the loss at the Diego Maradona stadium last night hint at a potential re-imagining of the current set-up.

Klopp's comments could hint at a switch-up

Speaking post-match, a clearly frustrated and perplexed Klopp spoke on how the situation is not 100% right now.

“I really think it makes sense to watch the game back and try to understand and have the right message for the boys, because that’s the most important thing,”

“A few things are really clear we have to change and the reason it’s now like this is getting a bit more clear as well,” he said. “But I need time for saying the right things, because at the moment it’s not 100% clear.”

It's highly rare for a team that have been as good as Liverpool in the last few years could produce such a low level of performance across the board.

What could be the solutions?

Given we're already a month into the season, a re-jig of the current set-up is not the most ideal situation for Klopp to find himself in. The 4-3-3 system has brought great success and their current squad were mostly signed because they fit the mould of a player who can work in this system.

What makes it more difficult are the injuries - Thiago returned to action last night and Arthur Melo made his debut but neither are fit enough for 90 minutes as of yet. Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all remain out for at least the next month minimum.

It may be worth switching to a double pivot in midfield to give that extra security to the midfield - something that an out-of-form Fabinho could certainly benefit from. But the only real option right now is James Milner, with Thiago and Arthur needing at least another week or two to build back up to that full fitness.

In terms of the attacking frontline, it's unclear what the issue is. Darwin Nunez was signed for big money and he needs time to gel and understand how he can use his strengths in this team. A 4-2-3-1 with Roberto Firmino/Harvey Elliot or Fabio Carvalho in the '10' role would give Nunez support and put less of an onus on the two wide attackers.

Players are also returning from injury all the time, with Diogo Jota also back in the fray. However, that defensive two in midfield could also mean that the back four feels more protected, especially at right back, where Trent Alexander-Arnold has been exposed so far this season.

A change in system or personnel doesn't have to be extreme but something needs to change. Teams know how to play against this team now - this set-up has been in use since 2017 but now the intensity seems to be removed from the outfit. A couple of changes and a slight tweak in formation might work - but if it doesn't, Klopp will be in a precarious position deciding whether to continue with it or revert back.

Either way, whatever he decides to do, it will need a run of games in order to click. There is no quick fix but there are certainly options to explore that can help them improve.