Although journalist Melissa Reddy suspects that the clubs rivaling Liverpool will lap up the club's inactivity in the January transfer window, Jurgen Klopp is correct not to act just yet.
Down to a pair of makeshift centre-backs for Liverpool's defeat at Southampton on Monday night, journalist Melissa Reddy suspects that a defensive duo of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho will not set the Premier League champions up for a successful defence of their title.
"I just don't think it is sustainable for Liverpool to play that much of the season with no fit senior centre-backs," she concluded in conversation with OTB Sports on Friday.
With Manchester United and Manchester City both positioned to pass Liverpool out if they win their games in hand, Jurgen Klopp has suggested that his team will not be strengthened in the January transfer window, nevertheless.
Although it may prove detrimental this season, Reddy has a feeling that the club are ultimately making the correct call.
"I actually think Klopp is right in what he says," she explained, previewing Friday's FA Cup clash against Aston Villa for the German's team.
"January is a tricky market in general and it has been complicated by the coronavirus and the financial impact it has had on what teams can spend.
"Also, in a different sense, you could sign a player and he might have to isolate for two weeks depending on which country you're signing him from and what the rules are."
Regularly lauded for the fastidious nature of their recruitment, Reddy expects that Liverpool will remains true to their principles despite the potential for short-term pain.
"If you're signing a player in January based off your current situation that centre-back has to come in and walk into the starting XI essentially," she reasoned. "Otherwise, what is the point in signing him now? If you're making a short-term signing, he has to come in and slot in seamlessly.
"There have been very few signings under Jurgen Klopp that have come in straight to the starting XI because he is a very demanding manager and his system takes a lot of practice. There is no training time really at the moment because there are so many games, so, how do you try to help someone through this adjustment phase?
"If Liverpool could get one of their long-term targets now, they will absolutely do it. The thinking of the club has always been that it is better to make no move than make the wrong move, especially if you can do the right one in due time."
Liverpool will take on a Covid-ravaged Aston Villa this evening at 19.45 in Villa Park.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
