With every mounting Liverpool defeat, we as fans find ourselves excepting manager Jürgen Klopp from any blame for the reason that these aren’t his players.
Given the current squad is made up entirely of members of the old regime, there were always bound to be a few who didn’t grow into the new system as well as others.
What we underestimated, however, was the sheer magnitude of players incompatible with a style of football that Klopp has brought over from Germany.
If the Reds have title dreams, they would be deluded to expect the present team to be winning the Premier League.
With Pep Guardiola set to take over at Manchester City, and the whispers surrounding Jose Mourinho to Manchester United growing louder by the day, competition for the top spot will be stiff.
The bright side?
Liverpool have one of the best managers in the world, but before we can hope to contest for glory, the following players may be heading for the exit door.
Here are some who could leave at the end of the season:
Martin Skrtel
Once considered a solid centre back, Skrtel has two large factors counting against him.
Primarily his age. At 31-years-old, there isn’t a future there with the Slovak in the heart of the defence.
Secondly, the transformed performances of Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren have led fans (and maybe Klopp) to believe that Skrtel is surplus to requirements and his display against Southampton illustrated his decline.
Christian Benteke
Combining the mobility of a chest of drawers with the finishing ability comparable to a monk in a brothel, Benteke has not captivated the Anfield faithful since his big-money move in the summer from Aston Villa.
A costly mistake that seemed to characterise the Brendan Rodgers tenure, Klopp probably won’t bother with keeping the Belgian around any longer than he has to.
Daniel Sturridge
I take no pleasure in this, but here it is.
As far as Klopp is concerned, Sturridge has been an inconvenience in terms of injury. Whilst proving he still has talent, Klopp may try and find the production Sturridge offers him from a more reliable source.
There is a very good chance Studge signs for Arsenal and bangs in 25 next season, but that’s the kind of thing that makes being a Liverpool fan so unique.
Lucas Leiva
This one hurts too.
A long time servant of Liverpool Football Club, the Brazilian midfielder has reflected the heart us fans look for in those wearing the red shirt.
Whilst popular with Klopp, I doubt Lucas will be in first team contention come next season and a Premier League team hovering around the relegation zone might sense an opportunity to bring in his talent and leadership for a reduced price.
Simon Mignolet
As a staunch Mignolet apologist, I would be perfectly happy to see the Belgian shot-stopper stay for the 2016-17 campaign.
Despite my love of the meerkat-man, even I accept some see him as a liability.
At times, Mignolet has a right old howler in him. Other times, he appears to channel Gianlugi Buffon, Manuel Neuer, and David de Gea all at the same time.
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen being tipped to travel to Merseyside when the transfer window opens, Migs could be off to pastures anew.