Where now for Liverpool? Klopp must swap chaos for control

Jurgen Klopp's first season in charge of Liverpool ended in disappointment when his side were beaten by Sevilla in the final of the Europa League, a damaging defeat that leaves the Reds licking their wounds and facing up to the prospect of a season without European football.

It also laid bare the extent of the rebuilding job facing Klopp at Anfield.

"In his mission to restore this grand club among the European elite, there will be no shortcuts but, as Seville exposed, rather a long road back," says Matt Dickinson of The Times.

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But it could have been different and Liverpool will "look back in anger at this defeat", says Henry Winter, also in the Times.

Liverpool were ahead and in control at half time. "The inquest into what happened next will be long and painful," he says. "It resembled Istanbul in reverse, three goals shipped after the break."

The most telling sight of the evening was that of Klopp "frantically running down the touchline, gesticulating to Liverpool fans to raise the volume", says Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph.

"In his moment of need, with his side disintegrating as Sevilla transformed themselves from Tony Pulis's Stoke to a La Liga pass and move hit squad, Klopp decided the most potent weapon was emotional support."

But for Liverpool to prosper the dynamic needs to change. "From herein Klopp must build a team that naturally inspires the fans," says Bascombe. "Rally cries to The Kop must become an aid rather than fundamental to future success."

Most observers believe Klopp will rebuild from the back, with left-back Alberto Moreno taking much of the blame for Sevilla's recovery.

That overhaul of the squad could be compromised by a lack of European football, fears Tony Barrett of the Times. It makes it "harder to attract those they covet".

What's more they must "recruit players who are not only capable of going straight into the starting line-up but who are able to enhance it immediately", he adds.

But not everyone agrees. "Klopp's transfer targets won't be compromised," claims Bascombe in the Telegraph. "The notion players he wanted will now opt out because of the lack of Champions League football is overplayed since most deals are already in place and he is again focusing broadly on emerging talent."

In terms of specifics, Jonathan Wilson of The Guardian calls for a holding midfielder. There were individual errors at the back but "most significant was the collective failing... Liverpool lost control of a game they had seemed to be dominating".

He echoes calls for Liverpool to rely less on emotion and win games through superior organisation.

"Chaos can be effective," he says. "It was chaos that brought the comeback against Dortmund... But chaos is, by its nature, unreliable. It may be thrilling but what is needed now is a greater sense of control."