Paul Robinson was inclined to point to Sadio Mane’s absence as a “big mistake” for Liverpool following their 3-2 loss to Arsenal.
Still, the former goalkeeper felt the ‘crux’ of the problem stemmed from something beyond the Senegal international’s departure to Germany, highlighting the performances of several key Reds stars.
“You look at last season and they played every game possible,” the former England No. 1 told BBC Sport.
“They have lost Sadio Mané, who is a great miss for them, but you don’t become a bad player overnight.
“They have too many high-quality players who are underachievers, and that’s the crux of the matter.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah drew the blame from the publication’s chief football writer, Phil McNulty, the former earning an early substitution after suffering an ankle injury.
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READ MORE: Liverpool star now needs a scan after Klopp spots something he hasn’t seen in seven years
The question now is: what does Jurgen Klopp need to do to bring out the best of his underperforming talents once again?
This is not the time to ask for Jurgen Klopp’s head
A change of formation against Scottish Rangers seemed to herald a new dawn in what has been a highly challenging campaign for the former quadruple hopefuls.
Now, however, it appears that a change in form will not be enough to bring back the spark of Liverpool’s intensity.
That’s not to say that the problem lies with the manager, and, in fact, anyone calling their head should already be deeply ashamed of themselves, although the onus to turn things around certainly does.
We have every faith that the 55-year-old is the man to do it.
#Ep62 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Will Klopp Change Arsenal’s Formation? Núñez failing… and more!
