Manager Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are set for a “very busy period” as they focus on strengthening their squad in this summer.
The Reds ended the season on an 11-match unbeaten run with a 4-4 draw against relegated Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool knew they would finish fifth after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The Reds are expected to sign a number of new players in the next transfer window, with Roberto Firmino and James Milner both making their final appearances for the club alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and loanee Arthur Melo.
Liverpool’s player ratings are good for Diogo Jota and Southampton’s two replacements
At least two new midfielders are expected and Liverpool are now preparing to step up their efforts to sign Brighton’s World Cup-winning winger Alexis McCallister. And Klopp wants to continue the issue of transfers.
“I don’t think there is a need for a break.” Honestly, I’m fine. If you had asked me if I wanted to rest before the 11th game, I would have honestly considered it! But I am very cute and full of energy.
“I’m on a break. I’m not training or anything like that, but now I’m hoping for a really intense period in other parts of the game and I’m happy to do that. I will take time to recharge and start again in July.”
Diogo Jota scored twice, Firmino scored the farewell goal and substitute Cody Gakpo also found the back of the net as Liverpool took a 2-0 to 4-2 lead.
“Everyone needs luck and we’ve had (this season) just the opposite,” said the Liverpool manager. “Today you can see the impact of Diogo Jota, who will be unavailable for most of the season, Luis Diaz, who will be unavailable for most of the season. Cody gakpo who only came in winter. Bobby Firmino out for most of the season. Darwin Nunes is brand new.
“We had to be a dominant team and when we came, there were teams waiting for us and we didn’t perform the way we wanted to. That’s how it started and since then we haven’t been able to get there early.”
No team in the Premier League scored more points than Liverpool in the final week of the season, with 25 of the 33 points available.
