Ian Ayre is a divisive figure at Liverpool. Although it’s hard for anyone outside of the inner workings of the club to cast judgement on what the Chief Executive does on a day-to-day basis, his every move, or supposed move, is debated and criticised.
Ayre himself is set to step aside in early 2017, but this summer could be the one that defines his legacy at the club. Simply put, he must do all he can to ensure Jurgen Klopp is given every leg-up possible to build a competitive team. The German has the pedigree, experience and personality to lead a great club, he now just needs the players and set-up to match his own standards.
The coming months will determine what will happen for the next few years, and here are FIVE issues Ayre can assist Klopp with…
Give Klopp the significant say in all dealings
Every club has a panel consulted for transfers, but Liverpool’s mistake was to give it a label. The now infamous ‘transfer committee’ has been a hot topic among Reds fans, and the wider football audience, for some time, with a mini war having raged, (in the media, at least) between Brendan Rodgers and the powers that be on Merseyside.
It would be naïve to say Klopp will be given carte blanche over deals, but he needs to be given a huge say in the process. No longer can Liverpool thrust players at their manager, nor can whoever is in charge be left solely responsible for a certain player’s failings. A balance must be struck, but with Klopp given the heaviest say.
Funds for a top striker, midfielder, goalkeeper and winger
Although Liverpool’s squad, when fully fit, is actually very good, there are a few holes that need plugging this summer. The glaring issue seems to be a goalkeeper, as Simon Mignolet continues to blow hot and (mostly) cold. The Belgian’s lack of command at the back has not settled nerves in a shaky rearguard, and despite the new contract handed to him recently, it’s hard to see him being a long-term answer. Targets from Klopp’s native Germany have, naturally, been mooted.
Next on the list will be a central midfielder to support Emre Can and Jordan Henderson, with the physically demanding style Klopp plays not in tune with Joe Allen’s skills (or stature). Other options such as Lucas and Kevin Stewart are not quite akin with the end goal under the German either, so names have been mooted, with Granit Xhaka of Borussia Monchengladbach an ambitious, yet ideal, target.
In terms of width Klopp has little to work with, although Lazar Markovic’s return from a loan spell could help. Mario Gotze can be used from wide, and is a widely reported target.
Lastly a striker seems needed, albeit the futures of Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli will impact both the calibre of player targeted and the funds available.
The pre-season Klopp needs
The commercial demands of modern football cannot be ignored, but Klopp needs to be given time to work with his players. Liverpool’s pre-season will be undertaken largely on North America, but there are indications that travelling within the USA will kept to a minimum, which should give the ex-Dortmund boss the freedom to condition his players and work on tactical plans.
Parachuted in late last year, Klopp is yet to have any extended period of time with his players thanks to the club’s hectic fixture schedule, which he’s already bemoaned a few times.
Ensure there’s patience from the bosses
This one spreads more into the season than just the summer. Ayre acts as the go-between between Klopp and the senior management team, so he could play a massive role in how much leeway the manager is given. The German has been given an extensive amount of patience by the fanbase despite some questionable performances, and although there are no indications that FSG are in anyway anxious, a season with no signs of progress could make some trigger fingers itch slightly. Given his experience and pedigree, Klopp will surely ease the problems at Anfield, although he may be unable to do it instantaneously.
Allow him to shift the deadwood
With the summer a relatively short period of time for transfer activity – only shortened by the EUROs – there isn’t a lot of room for manoeuvre. Talks about players that are sure to have not future on Merseyside must be rumbling away behind the scenes, but deals cannot be officially done until the window opens, at which time Liverpool cannot be too hard in terms of fees they want. The money is there, and it’s more important to remove the bad apples/deadwood and allow Klopp to work with the players he wants.
