How Liverpool Can Build for 2016-17 as Current Season Draws to a Close

Liverpool have six games scheduled before the end of the 2015/16 season, seven if they triumph over Villarreal in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, and while manager Jurgen Klopp will stress a focus on the present, his mind will be cast on the future as he prepares to build for 2016/17.

Having arrived in October to replace Brendan Rodgers, Klopp has spent the season overseeing transition both on and off the field of play as the Reds get to grips with his demanding, high-tempo, quick-transition football and the Premier League grows accustomed to his brand of vocal, enthusiastic leadership.

While a top-four finish in the league is unlikely, Liverpool’s success in Europe can be a useful yardstick for Klopp as he prepares for his first season in charge—but, as Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United proved, there is much to address this summer.

The Magpies fought back from 2-0 down to secure a vital point as Rafa Benitez pushes for top-flight safety, with many of Liverpool’s flaws exposed in a hit-and-miss display that left Klopp feeling “not too good.”

The 2016/17 season will be Klopp’s first full campaign in what Liverpool supporters will be hoping is a long and successful career on Merseyside, and one that should bring considerable change at the club.

So how can Liverpool begin to build for 2016/17 as the current season draws to a close?

Continue to Blood Youngsters in the League

Saturday’s Anfield stalemate saw Klopp name youngsters Connor Randall and Kevin Stewart in his starting lineup, with Danny Ward, Brad Smith, Sheyi Ojo and Jordon Ibe all included among the German’s substitutes, highlighting a positive approach to youth development this season.

Addressing reporters ahead of the Reds’ 4-0 win at home to Everton earlier in April, Klopp outlined his faith in the Reds’ young players, saying “the future of Liverpool looks nice”:

A few weeks ago we had a session only with young players in wonderful weather, a really, really good session. 

And after the session I brought them together and said, ‘I’m not sure if it’s okay that I say this, I’m not sure it will help, but pfft, what quality—I can’t believe it!’ 

So now we have to answer the question why only a few of [them] will go through [to the first team]. They have all the skills they need, all the talent.

[…]

You have to educate them, then when we can we have to show that we trust them, and they have to deliver. That’s how it is.

After telling the Guardian’s Paul Wilson at the beginning of his reign that “when I am managing a club I think each young player should smile, because the door is wide open for him,” Klopp is certainly …

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