Liverpool’s James Milner and Virgil van Dijk have an animated discussion during the 2-1 loss to Manchester United. — AFP Photo

Paul Kennedy

From being within touching distance of winning every possible trophy in one season, Liverpool fell at the final hurdle, losing both the Premiership and Champions League by the smallest of margins.

And I feel the disappointment of being so close to making footballing history but ultimately missing out, is the reason Jurgen Klopp’s men have started the season so badly.

Three games played, still without a win.

Sure, the German manager can point to his ever-increasing list of injuries, but I think the relentless efforts of last season have affected the players both mentally and physically.

Liverpool played every single possible game remember. Yes, they won two domestic cups, but losing the Premier League on the last day of the season, and losing by one single goal in the Champions League final against Real Madrid has hit them hard.

In the first three games so far, they’ve looked a shadow of their former selves. Slow to get started, poor defensively (conceding five goals already), players openly arguing among themselves, and completely disjointed.

The poetic football played last season now resembles a verse Ryan Giggs would write.

I know we’ve only played three games so far, but this is a real problem for Liverpool who before the season began, was the most likely of all the teams to challenge for Manchester City’s crown.

God forbid if they lose to Bournemouth at home on Saturday which I know is highly unlikely, but then again, I didn’t think they would lose away at Manchester United earlier this week either.

Klopp has a tough job on his hands, but I really think there’s no one better to do it. He’s a big character and will know, I hope, exactly what to say and how to say it to get the best out of the players.

Anyone who is thinking about writing Liverpool off, then do so at your peril. There are plenty and twists and turns to come this season.

City last week dropped points against Newcastle in a game the home side probably should have won and Chelsea were thumped by Leeds United.

It’s still very, very early days and while it’s fair to say Liverpool have not had the best of starts, I still strongly believe they will be the team that finishes closest to Manchester City at the end of the season.

I had the misfortune of hearing one so-called Liverpool fan call into a radio talk show in the UK and actually suggest it’s time for Jurgen Klopp to go. Utter nonsense.

Right now, he’s the most important member of the squad and for me, the one person capable of bringing back winning ways.

Watch this space. — VNS