The Reds are going well in all four competitions at the moment. Top of the Premier League, through in Europa, into the FA Cup fourth round and with half-a-foot in the Carabao Cup final. Things are good.
What makes Liverpool’s achievements so impress though, is that they’ve had to do it all with a growing injury list. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest to succumb, but other big players have missed games, too.
As a result, it’s no surprise to hear that the Reds’ players are looking forward to a little break. Having played against Fulham on Wednesday, Liverpool’s next game is away to Bournemouth a week on Sunday.
And the Liverpool ECHO report that this news has been met with delight by Reds captain Virgil van Dijk in particular. The Dutchman is said to have been privately joking that the break actually isn’t long enough.
Jurgen Klopp is said to be in agreement with his skipper. Both men are claimed to have had ‘broad smiles’ plastered on their faces as they left Anfield following Wednesday’s game. Klopp reportedly even stuck his ‘out of office’ notice on his phone in the immediate aftermath of the game.
Liverpool ready for break
There are some who begrudge these kind of mid-season breaks to multi-millionaire footballers. But the value of them is clear to see.
With the Reds’ squad now pushed right to the limit with injury, the extra time off afforded can make all the difference with recoveries.
It also gives those – like Van Dijk – who have played a lot of football to take some rest and therefore lessen the risk of fitness problems down the line. Virgil was out of sorts on Wednesday and did look in need of a break.
There is an argument that with Liverpool going so well, momentum needs to be maintained, too.
However, despite their good results of late, there’s a slight argument that the Reds don’t necessarily have all that much momentum. Some recent displays have been lethargic and a recharging of the proverbial batteries can’t hurt.
For supporters, we do understand those who would disagree. At times we underplay the importance of football in the grand scheme of things and rightly so. But there are those out there who truly rely on the game as either a necessary escape from everyday life or for the social aspects.
To strip that from those people while high-paid players get the chance to jet around the world in luxury doesn’t sit right with some. That isn’t the footballers themselves concern though, they didn’t do the scheduling, and so Van Dijk and his teammates are right to be excited for a rest.
Hopefully once things return, the Reds can kick on and shape this into a season to truly remember. Enjoy your rest, lads!
