Liverpool are currently playing well in the Premier League and Champions League, and in the Premier League, although they are currently in the second place, second only to Manchester City, the point difference is not large. The Reds are still in the ranks of the title race, and if they can continue to exert their strength in the second half, it is not very difficult to surpass the Blue Moon.
In the Champions League, they won all six games in the group stage, scored 18 points, scored 17 goals and conceded 6 goals, making them one of the best performing teams in the entire Champions League group stage.
Why is it that the Reds, who play a triumphant song on both fronts, are likely to encounter Waterloo in the second half of the season?
It is reported that the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations will start in Cameroon on January 3 and the entire season will last until February 1. At present, many African internationals will participate in this event by major European clubs. Among the top clubs in Europe, Salah and Mane in Liverpool's forward line are undoubtedly the most important African stars, and these two are also indispensable players for the Reds. Whether the Reds can win in the league and the Champions League at the end of this season depends on the performance of these two.
Reds management is now very worried that the epidemic will affect players who return to Africa to play, and if they contract the new crown, they are bound to miss the next team's matches. Due to the current epidemic situation, European clubs generally have no intention of allowing African players to return to their home countries. Previously, European clubs jointly sent a letter to the African Football Association, but unfortunately did not get a response.
At present, European clubs have sent a joint letter to FIFA, and even threatened not to let the players return to Africa to compete. FIFA has not yet said anything about the matter, but the African Football Association and the host country Cameroon are very insistent, saying that the African Cup of Nations will be held as scheduled.
Once the Africa Cup of Nations is held as scheduled, Liverpool will naturally be the most affected compared to other European giants. No matter how strong Klopp's football wisdom is, once Salah or Mane is lost, the Reds are equivalent to breaking an arm.
Last season, the Reds were injured and suffered from injuries that led to a very poor record and a slump in form. The team doesn't want to repeat the mistakes of the past this season, but the approaching Africa Cup of Nations seems to be making everything out of control.