Liverpool paying ultimate price for failing to follow Sir Alex Ferguson blueprint

Liverpool v Fulham: Match in pictures

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“Winning a trophy doesn’t really mean anything to me after it has gone,” Sir Alex Ferguson said during his legendary spell at Manchester United. The Scot is one of just three managers to retain a Premier League title, with only Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Pep Guardiola with Manchester City able to do the same.

And that exclusive club is set to stay just that, with Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp proving just how difficult a feat going back to back actually is.

The Reds were top of the pile as recently as January, but a wretched run of form means it will be a battle to even secure a top-six finish.

Defeat to Fulham, thier sixth successive home loss, leaves them 22 points off leaders Man City and more concerningly four off the top-four, having played a game more.

And while injuries have obviously had a devastating impact, Klopp’s squad is showing signs that its effectiveness may be coming to an end.

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Under the German, Liverpool have achieved huge successes in the two campaigns preceding this one, picking up a staggering 196 points across the pair.

Add in two Champions League finals  – one of those earning their sixth European Cup – and a Premier League title, Liverpool’s current players are sure to go down in Anfield folklore.

Against Fulham on Sunday, Klopp rang the changes with the European tie with RB Leipzig taking on extra priority amid their league struggles.

But beyond their starting XI the options look well below the standards the manager has set on Merseyside.

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The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Naby Keita failed to take their opportunity to push for a more regular starting place.

However, those currently in Klopp’s best XI are hardly in their best form at present either.

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane look a shadow of their former selves, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s downturn in form has been as dramatic as it has been rapid.

The difficult third season is something that Klopp has been unable to overcome, but it’s a challenge Fergie believes every good side should see coming.

The ex-United boss was famous for his ability to know just when to move players on to ensure his team were always the ones to beat.

“We identified three levels of players: 30 and older, 23 to 30, and the younger ones,” he explained in 2013.

“The idea was that the younger players were developing and would meet the standards the older ones had set. I believe that the cycle of a successful team lasts maybe four years and then some change is needed.

“So we tried to visualise the team three or four years ahead and make decisions accordingly.”

The injuries have to be accounted for but there are real indicators that this record breaking squad needs more than a tinker to rediscover their best form.

It could prove to be Klopp’s most pivotal summer yet as he looks to emulate Fergie by building another title-winning dynasty.

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