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Last season so many problems they faced where the players did not coordinate well in terms of cooperation and some players who were in the treatment room such as Diaz who had to be absent for a long time and Jota who was going back and forth because of his foot problems made Liverpool even more difficult.....
That's it, could say, Liverpool seemed experiencing a bad thing last season. there were so many problems and obstacles they went through, and they couldn't cover it all. Salah also couldn't play optimally like in previous seasons because the condition of the squad was like that. And this season might be different, if you look at some of their performances so far, even though you might say they haven't been very good, at least, it seems like they learned a lot from the conditions last season. Yes, even though this is just the start of the season and it is not yet certain how their performance will continue. At least, they also have goals in the European league, apart from the Premier League.
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The EPL is a more competitive competition compared to other leagues, so even fighting for the top 4 places requires hard work from every team competing in the EPL. Most likely Liverpool target is to reach the top 4 until the end of the season because their failure last season gave great meaning to their decline in performance. The depth of Liverpool squad is capable enough in this season to provide strong power for them to reach the top 4 Place.
Indeed, that is why the goal for Liverpool this season may be more realistic to be at least included in the next Champions League.
And for this season, apart from focusing on the Premier League, they will also focus on the European League. It would be happier for them if at least they could hold a European League medal to cure last season's disappointment. Although of course, this is not an easy thing, because after all, there are many potential clubs there too.
A good start is always better than a struggling one. Like you have already stated Liverpool are still yet to reach their full potential and that's because of the lose of sadio mane to that squad, Mane is a player with share agility and confidence and finding a replacement such raw talent is gonna be hard for them but at least like you said their performance is way better than that of last season .