Liverpool have been described as ‘less effective’ this season by a rival player.
There’s no doubt that the Reds are struggling to match the sort of form which saw Jurgen Klopp’s side go within two games of winning the quadruple last season.
Liverpool have won only two of their first six Premier League outings this season and a 4-1 Champions League humiliation at Napoli illustrates that they just haven’t been at the races.
However, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has insisted that although the Anfield outfit are not in a crisis, they are certainly less dangerous than they were last season.
He told Gazzetta: “The Premier League level is so high that as soon as you slow down, you lose points. Liverpool are not in crisis, they are just less effective, and the Premier League does not allow you to relax.”
Even in two of the three games that the Reds have won, Klopp has needed a last-minute winner from Fabio Carvalho against Newcastle and Joel Matip against Ajax to secure the three points.
Both of those encounters came at Anfield, a home game for Liverpool.
When Anfield isn’t the fortress that it’s been for years under the German manager, that’s a very worrying sign and the former Borussia Dortmund boss will be desperate to put things right after the international break.
Despite their awful start to the campaign, Liverpool are still eight points behind Manchester City, who have played one game more.
It clearly isn’t too late for the Merseysiders to stake a title claim, but they will have to be much more consistent.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
