What do Liverpool fans really think of the club?

Liverpool fans. You're never far away from one. They never seem to walk alone and pop up all across the world. If they put a series of wins together, Twitter goes mad as the hype train hits the track again. Yet what do they really think ahead of the season?



I sat down with six (Ben, Jack, Victoria, Julian, Jordan and Andy) different Liverpool fans who I've met over the years and asked them several probing questions about what they think about the team's chances this year and what they think about how the club is currently performing.



What is achievable for Liverpool domestically this season?



The anguish from prior seasons is evident from all the whole panel of Liverpool fans. The collective voice certainly aims towards another top four spot in the league. Andy elaborates that the season on a whole could hinge on the rest of the activity in the transfer markets. Key targets like Virgil van Dyke would enhance the season in his eyes, but losing Coutinho would certainly lower his expectations.



Can Liverpool see off Hoffenheim and if so, what can they do in the Champions League?



The Reds followers are equally as cautious when talking about their prospects on the continent. However, are split on just how far they will go – yet all recognize the real challenge that awaits them against Hoffenheim. Whilst most of them all believe they can get the better of the German club, they are not overstepping the mark on how easy the qualification will be to watch. Andy bucks the trend and is only one who can see Liverpool playing in the Europa League next season, as he believes they will falter during the playoff.



Should they proceed into the main competition, there's a certain unknown amongst the supporters. Julian quite poetically states: “I'm just happy we're back… I'm hoping we'll see an entertaining season in Europe once more, which is what we pride ourselves on as a club.” Before stating that anything should be better than the dire performances in Champions League under Brendan Rodgers. Jack reminds us that they are at the mercy of the draw, which ultimately will determine how optimistic the fans are for the campaign.



Who's been the best summer acquisition for Liverpool?



The Anfield faithful have seemingly two favourites here and are split between Egyptian international Mohamed Salah and the Basingstoke-born U-20 World Cup winner: Dominic Solanke.



These hardcore Liverpool fans have been watching religiously over the summer pre-season and believe that the speed and work rate of Salah will serve him well. All admit to liking his attributes when he played at Chelsea and are glad to have him back in the Premier League, with the Reds.

Given that Solanke is only 19, most appreciate that he may not immediately jump into the first team but are optimistic to see his future contributions to the team, especially considering he was bought for a mere tribunal fee.



Jurgen Klopp has signed a deal to keep him at Anfield until 2022, what does he need to achieve before then?



The vast array of answers to this question is almost un-documentable. Ben and Julian dwell on the laurels of the club citing it's been five whole years without a single trophy and that Liverpool is missing a league title since the inception of the Premier League, which is a real bug bare to them.



Jordan sees winning as a progressive process and this season should be used as a gateway for future success. A cup triumph this would sort out the lingering doubts within the team and promote a victorious mindset. Whether as Victoria sets out her stall and wants another Champions League final.

Others suggest that this season (and/or next season) could be a real acid test for the club in that if Klopp is unable to mount a credible title challenge, deliver silverware and maintain champions league football – then it's unlikely he'll be able to build on it and bring home the league title and/or the champions league trophy.



What do you think of his reign so far?



The overall feeling is that Liverpool fans are happy with him and genuinely like his personality, brand of football and manner he conducts himself within the game. His passion is well received, despite some only believing him to be a “moderate success”.



Who is the most important player in the current squad?



With little surprise, the player most talked about here is the transfer talk-laden, Coutinho. In the four years he's been with Liverpool he's become a hallmark of their game. Victoria states that keeping the Brazilian is of paramount importance to Liverpool and their future prospects. Others also agree and feel losing Philippe would cost them several years of their long-term goals.