Can Liverpool FC Really Do The Quadruple?

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could lead his side to an unprecedented quadruple this season. [Getty]

Among all achievements during the Premier League era, Manchester United’s continental treble in 1999 remains the standout accomplishment.

Sure, Arsenal’s invincible season may never be repeated, with Manchester City’s almost flawless domestic treble in 2018/19 also threw in a Community Shield for good measure. But for sheer drama and accomplishment, United's success stands apart in recent history.

Whisper it quietly, however, but Liverpool could be set to break all records this year as they pursue an unprecedented quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and ELF Cup.

But can this really be achieved, and has any side ever come close to achieving this aim?

Has Any English Side Ever Come Close to the Quadruple?

When Manchester United won their historic treble in the 1998/99 season, any potential quadruple bid was derailed as early as December 2nd when Tottenham Hotspur beat them 3-1 at White Hart Lane to dump them out of the League Cup.

As for Manchester City’s domestic treble, this was offset at least in part by a devastating defeat (also to Spurs) in the Champions League quarter-finals.

After a 1-0 first-leg defeat, City exited on away goals after a 4-3 triumph in the return fixture, with Raheem Sterling’s stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside to deny the Citizens a place in the semis.

Manchester United has another, albeit often overlooked tilt at the quadruple in 2008/09. The Reds impressively won the Premier League and League Cup (along with the World Club Cup) this year, while reaching the Champions League final only to be outclassed by a brilliant Barcelona team.

Incredibly, the quadruple dream only ended on April 19th, when Everton knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup semi-finals on penalties at Wembley.

So, Can Liverpool Make History?

The question that remains, of course, is can Liverpool defy history and become the first-ever English side to claim a quadruple?

Well, April will definitely reveal more, even though the EPL title chase is likely to run until the very end of the season. After all, the Reds’ comfortable 2-0 win over Watford marked a 10th successive EPL triumph and took the side two points clear at the top of the table at the weekend, only for City to regain the top spot hours later.

Interestingly, Liverpool will travel to the Etihad Stadium on April 10th, in a game that could well be a title decider given the relative consistency of both sides.

A win here would afford the Reds a pivotal two-point advantage with just seven matches to go, although obvious challenges remain in the form of a trip to Old Trafford and the Merseyside derby.

City will also stand in Liverpool’s way in the FA Cup, with a Wembley Cup semi-final scheduled for April 16th. This match is just too tight to call, while a potential final against Chelsea (or Crystal Palace) would also provide tricky to navigate.

As for the UCL, Liverpool will travel to Benfica for the first leg of the quarter-finals on April 5th, with the return match scheduled for the 13th. These matches will sandwich the league match with City, with the FA Cup final just three days after the completion of the tie.

This run of games will prove pivotal for Liverpool, with a defeat in either having the potential to sound the death knell for their quadruple dreams.

The Last Word

The last point is important to bear in mind, as the levels of luck and consistency required to win a quadruple are incredibly high.

This is why no EPL side has yet managed this feat, as there’s the potential for a single poor performance or even a little bad luck to abruptly end the pursuit for honours as the business end of the season approaches.

The good news for Liverpool is that they have the League Cup in the bag while retaining the knowledge that victory in all of their remaining league games will see them lift the EPL title.

Both Europe and the FA Cup will bring their own unique challenges, but Klopp’s charges undoubtedly have the mental strength, consistency, and squad depth (especially in attack) to emerge victorious on all fronts.

The German himself is one of the best leaders and motivators in the game, with his management skills transcending basic coaching badges and making him well-placed to achieve under immense pressure.

So, if any side can complete a quadruple, Liverpool can, but the Reds must overcome the suffocating weight of history if they’re to achieve this objective.

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