League Cup progression, continued Premier League success and dissent in the ranks. Just a few of the events this week at the world's favourite football club. Here's our take on the really good, the bad, and the seemingly ugly goings on at Liverpool FC.
The Good
The good this week came in the form of 0-3 EFL league cup victory over Derby County. A win that, as comfortable as it was, was enough to seal a place in the fourth round and a draw against Tottenham Hotspurs. A tricky fixture if ever there was one. However, confidence is high. And not just because of that.
The Good section is extended to Liverpool's continuing impressive form in the Premier League. A sweeping 5-1 demolition of Hull City yesterday afternoon was enough to keep confidence high, as well as credibility. In a fixture that so often in recent times, has proved to be the team's achilles heal.
Goals from Sadio Mané, Adam Lallana, a trademark stunner from Philippe Coutinho and a brace of penalties from James Milner sent the Tigers packing. Their solitary goal from David Meyler being the sole consolation in a game that Liverpool dominated.
The Man of The Match performance from Lallana has gone a long way to garner some much needed faith in the ex-Southampton forward. His season tally so far of three goals in six starts is almost as much as the four he managed in the whole of last season. At this rate, he may yet win over his many detractors. Me included!
Such was the fluency of Liverpool's play yesterday, one can't complain with their current fourth place in the Premiership. Provided they keep the momentum, Anfield will be a great place to be over the coming months. Over recent times, we've seen that the top four or five places in the league are to all intents and purposes sealed by the turn of the year. That said, the season ends in May, so the race isn't over yet. By any means.
The Bad
The bad... Well, more of too bad. An expression the Cambridge dictionary defines this expression as: you can mean either that you feel sympathy about a problem, or that you do not. I find the installing of Loris Klarius as LFC's main 'keeper a tad harsh. In what respect? you ask. " He's rubbish..." you may add. I feel a small amount of sympathy for the apparent outgoing Simon Mignolet.
There has been much talk of a "battle" for the number one jersey at Liverpool. Competition for the place. Whatever. In my opinion that's just rubbish. Lip service and paper-talk. The reality for Mignolet is that the writing has been on the wall for him the moment Klarius set foot into Melwood. I have never known two "number ones" at a club. Mathematically and practically it doesn't work. Can't work.
The similarity to Mignolet's own arrival at Liverpool frighteningly stark. Then boss Brendan Rodgers was clearly not a fan of then 'keeper Pepe Reina. "Competition" was the excuse/reason. Two apparently top class keepers vying for one spot. This time the fact is, it's unlikely Mignolet will be at Liverpool next season. As I said that's just too bad!
The Seemingly Ugly
For me, this is the slowly (and ultimately painful) unravelling of the Mamadou Sakho situation. Reports the Mirror claim the Frenchman has launched an "astonishing 3 am attack" on Klopp following his falling out of favour with the Anfield hierarchy. The report claims the "rant" is aimed at Klopp. "...can't accept the lie... the fans deserve to know the true [sic]!". says the 26 year-old.
Personally, I don't believe the issue is with Klopp but rather one of his close staff who doesn't like Sakho. For those that know LFC long enough, you'll know this was a famous tactic of ex-Liverpool "legend" Phil Thompson. If he took a dislike to someone, he would do everything in his power to show the player who was "Boss", despite the fact it was Gerard Houllier at the time! Klopp is probably sticking by one of his long term assistants from what I can make of the situation.
For Klopp to say he is still not "match-fit" but then doesn't even play him in the under-23 games indicates it's not simply a matter of stamina keeping him out of the team. Lucas Leiva played for them recently to gain fitness. Klopp is quoted as saying that the situation is "not serious". If so, what's the problem? Time will tell. Or of course, an Autobiography!
So next up for Liverpool is the visit of Swansea City to Anfield next Saturday. Let's hope the wheels stay firmly on the bandwagon. The way the team is playing at the moment, I do sense a certain steel about them. A willingness not to beat. A togetherness which has been missing for many a year. Watch this space because things might just get more interesting yet.
Follow Ben on Twitter: @MrBengreen