Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has labelled Jurgen Klopp’s misfiring side a “shadow” of the team that won the Premier League and European Cup last season.
Klopp’s side lost 1-0 to Burnley at Anfield on Thursday night, following a late converted penalty from striker Ashley Barnes.
Not only was the result the first defeat Liverpool have had to deal with at Anfield in 68 games, but it also underlined a worrying run of form that has seen the reigning champions win just three of their last 10 games in all competition.
However, Souness doesn’t believe Thursday’s result was a one-off event and is certain that Klopp’s side haven’t looked like themselves since the very start of the season.
“Liverpool have been a shadow of the team I’ve seen perform for the best part of three years,” the Scot told Sky Sports after the match.
“There wasn’t any sparkle tonight, they were flat tonight. When they got the ball into the last third and when it was time to deliver there was poor delivery time and time again.
“It was just lacking in quality from the back all the way through. It was a very disappointing night for them. I think Jurgen [Klopp] has some hard thinking to do because some of those players look like they're shot of confidence.
“It’s 18 games now. There’s just no sparkle about them and this will be a real test for these players. Jurgen will find out what he’s got in that dressing room now because there’s so much expectation on their shoulders with what they’ve done over the last couple of years.
“It was at the start of the season and they’ve not dealt with it very well.”
Liverpool v Burnley: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
Thiago Alcântara 
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Man Utd 
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Burnley 
