Liverpool’s latest stumble in the Premier League title race has reignited a fierce debate among fans and pundits alike: Are Klopp’s men bottling it, or is this just an unavoidable collapse under pressure?
Let’s break it down step by step.
💥 What Defines a “Bottle Job”?
In football, a bottle job happens when a team has the ability, the momentum, and a clear path to success — but mentally crumbles under the weight of expectation. It’s not just losing — it’s losing when you should be winning.
Classic signs of a bottle job include:
- Surrendering leads in crucial matches.
- Underperforming against weaker opposition when the pressure is high.
- Failing in “must-win” games despite being in a strong position.
Think of Spurs’ 2015-16 collapse when Leicester won the league — that’s the textbook definition.
⚽ Liverpool 2023-24: The Case for a Bottle Job
There’s definitely an argument to be made that Liverpool have “bottled” certain moments this season.
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Failure to Capitalize on Key Games:
Liverpool have dropped points against mid-to-lower-table sides at critical junctures — the kinds of games title-winning teams grind out victories in. Drawing against teams like Luton or losing to sides they were expected to beat has cost them dearly. -
Mental Fragility in Crunch Moments:
In head-to-head clashes with title rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal, Liverpool haven’t always looked like the ruthless, relentless team of their peak years. When the pressure’s on, they’ve seemed tentative rather than tenacious. -
The Weight of Expectation:
With Klopp building a reputation for his high-intensity, never-say-die teams, there’s been an expectation for Liverpool to deliver — and when they’ve fallen short, it feels like a mental block rather than just tactical flaws. -
History of Near-Misses:
This isn’t the first time Liverpool have come close but failed to seal the deal. Their 97-point season in 2018-19 (losing the title to City by just one point) and their late-season collapse in 2020-21 add to the narrative that this team struggles with the final hurdle.
Verdict: If we focus on the missed opportunities and crucial missteps, there’s a case that Liverpool have shown some mental fragility — the hallmarks of a “bottle job.”
🚨 Why It’s More of a Collapse Than a Bottle Job
However, calling Liverpool’s season a bottle job might be too harsh. Why?
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Injury Crisis:
Liverpool have been battered by injuries this season — Virgil van Dijk, Luis Díaz, Thiago Alcântara, and even key midfield reinforcements have missed time. When you’re constantly rotating and patching up holes, consistency becomes impossible. -
Midfield Rebuild in Progress:
Let’s not forget — Liverpool revamped their entire midfield over the summer. Henderson, Fabinho, and Milner all left, replaced by new faces like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. It’s hard to win a title while rebuilding your core. -
Squad Depth Issues:
Compared to Man City, Liverpool’s depth looks thin. While Guardiola can rotate world-class players with ease, Klopp’s squad has felt stretched — especially when injuries bite. -
City’s Relentless Standard:
The harsh reality? Liverpool are competing in an era where 96 points might not be enough to win the league. Manchester City have raised the bar so high that any slip-up feels catastrophic.
Verdict: When you factor in the injuries, squad transition, and City’s insane consistency, Liverpool’s form looks more like a team collapsing under a perfect storm of setbacks — not one simply choking.
🔥 So… Bottle Job or Collapse?
If we’re being fair:
- There have been bottle job moments — like the games they’ve failed to win against “weaker” teams.
- But overall, this feels more like a collapse — a mix of bad luck (injuries), squad limitations, and fierce competition.
The mental lapses exist, sure — but they seem more like the symptom of deeper issues, not the cause.
⏳ What Happens Next?
The real question now is: How will Liverpool respond?
- Klopp will need to bolster his squad this summer — especially in midfield and defence.
- They must rediscover the ruthlessness that defined their 2019-20 title-winning season.
- And crucially — mentality matters. Liverpool need to prove they can handle the pressure, whether it’s against City, Arsenal, or anyone else.