With Liverpool seemingly on the brink of another Premier League title failure, football fans and pundits alike are asking whether this could be classified as a “bottle job” or simply a collapse under the weight of expectation and unforeseen circumstances. Having come so close to glory in recent seasons, especially in 2019-20 and 2020-21, Liverpool’s journey in the 2023-24 season seems to be unraveling, leaving their title hopes in serious jeopardy.
What Exactly is a “Bottle Job”?
The term “bottle job” in football typically refers to a situation where a team has a clear opportunity to win a title or achieve a major goal but fails due to mental fragility, an inability to handle pressure, or a string of underperforming moments in crucial matches. It’s a situation where the team seemingly “chokes” when it matters most.
For Liverpool, their near-miss seasons, particularly when they finished second behind Manchester City in 2018-19 despite a staggering 97 points, have made them prime candidates for discussions of “bottle jobs.” Many pointed to that season as an example of a team that was nearly flawless but fell short in moments of high tension.
However, a “bottle job” would imply that Liverpool have a strong enough squad but, for reasons of psychology or performance, are failing to close out the season. So, could this be happening now in 2023-24?
The Collapse: A Confluence of Factors
Unlike a “bottle job,” a collapse usually involves external factors, often beyond a team’s control, contributing to a sudden and steep decline in form. In Liverpool’s case, their apparent downfall this season can be attributed to a combination of issues, which might suggest it’s not purely a case of mental weakness.
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Injuries and Squad Depth One of the major factors contributing to Liverpool’s struggles has been the increasing number of injuries to key players. Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcântara, and Luis Díaz have all had significant spells on the sidelines, leaving Jurgen Klopp without crucial pieces of his squad for extended periods. In a league as competitive as the Premier League, these injuries have exposed the limitations in squad depth, particularly in midfield, where Liverpool has historically been strong.
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Midfield Woes Liverpool’s midfield has been a major talking point. James Milner, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho are all past their prime, and the lack of sufficient quality replacements has put immense pressure on the rest of the squad. While the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez have continued to provide attacking threat, the midfield has been unable to maintain the balance that saw Liverpool’s high-pressing game work so effectively under Klopp in recent years.
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Defensive Fragility Once the bedrock of Klopp’s success, Liverpool’s defence has been exposed this season. Alisson Becker has been as reliable as ever, but Van Dijk‘s form has dipped, and the usual tightness and resilience at the back have been lacking. Whether due to injury setbacks or simply a drop in form, the defensive unit has been far more porous this season compared to previous campaigns.
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The Mental Side of the Game While it’s hard to argue that Liverpool has truly “bottled” the season, there have certainly been moments where the pressure of staying at the top has gotten to them. Draws against lower-tier teams and failing to secure points in key games have cost them dearly. Whether this is a mental block or just poor execution in crucial moments, it raises the question of whether Liverpool has truly been “choking” at decisive points.
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City’s Dominance and United’s Resurgence Manchester City‘s continued dominance and the resurgence of other title challengers like Manchester United and Arsenal make this title race more difficult than ever for Klopp’s men. The ever-present strength of Pep Guardiola’s City, who have not seemed to slow down despite many expecting them to face a post-Guardiola decline, means that even minor slip-ups are magnified.
Is This a Bottle Job?
If we’re to define a “bottle job” as a team that has the tools to win but fails due to mental fragility or underperformance in key moments, then Liverpool could perhaps be said to have bottled their chances in some key games. There have certainly been instances in 2023-24 where they’ve failed to take advantage of key opportunities, whether it’s drawing against mid-table teams or losing critical matches where they should have been expected to deliver. In those moments, Liverpool hasn’t looked like the relentless force that dominated the Premier League a few seasons ago.
Or Is It Just a Collapse?
On the other hand, Liverpool’s struggles this season could be better described as a collapse due to the sheer accumulation of factors that have led to their downfall. Injuries to key players, a lack of squad depth, and systemic issues, like defensive vulnerabilities and midfield dysfunction, have all contributed to their failure to maintain consistency. In this sense, it’s a collapse — a mix of bad luck and poor squad management — rather than a mental breakdown.
In the context of the Premier League’s ultra-competitive nature, it’s also possible to argue that the club’s failure to sustain their early-season form is a product of the growing competitive pressure, rather than a pure mental collapse. It’s also worth considering that Klopp himself has often spoken about how tough it has been to juggle injuries and squad rotations, particularly when the team has been so reliant on certain key players in the past.
Conclusion: Bottle Job or Collapse?
In the case of Liverpool, it might be unfair to label their title failure as a “bottle job” outright. While there have been moments where they’ve fallen short in key fixtures, many of the issues surrounding their decline this season appear more related to a combination of injuries, a lack of squad depth, and overall fatigue.
The term “bottle job” seems harsh when considering the sheer number of challenges Liverpool have faced, especially compared to previous years where their squad had more depth and consistency. Instead, this could be a collapse — a result of too many factors aligning against them at once, leading to an inevitable fall from the top.
While their title hopes may now seem almost over, it’s important to remember that Liverpool still has one of the best managers in the world and a squad with tremendous potential. Whether they can bounce back next season will likely depend on their ability to address the root causes of their problems — particularly in midfield and defence.