Graeme Souness has criticised Liverpool for not investing in big money signings after winning the Premier League title last season - and says the Reds are not guaranteed to finish in the top four after their heavy loss to Man City.
Jurgen Klopp's men were thumped 4-1 by their rivals at Anfield, with their only goal coming through Mo Salah's penalty, as a double from Ilkay Gundogan and a goal a piece from Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden condemned them to a damaging defeat.
The result leaves the Reds ten points behind City having played a game more - and former Liverpool manager Souness feels the club are paying the price for their failure to spend big last summer.
Souness told Sky Sports: 'When you're at the top of the tree, that's when you go and invest big.
'I would think if you're the current champions, European champions year before, I'm sure you could find a bank willing to support you. That's the time to invest.'
Liverpool did splash out around £74million at the start of the season - spending £20m on Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago and £40m on Wolves winger Diogo Jota as their key incoming deals.
The reigning Premier League champions now face a battle just to finish in the top four - a target Souness believes is far from guaranteed.
'For them it's a challenge,' he added. 'They musn't feel sorry for themselves. They should not talk about the players that are unavailable to them, they should talk about the players available.
'That's what Liverpool have always done. I think they will finish in the top four but nothing is a formality.
'There's no point saying we've been to two Champions League finals and won one, that counts for nothing. I hope the staff will be reminding them that.
'You are guaranteed nothing. You can get what you deserve if you're talented and match that with effort. It's not a guarantee they will get in the top four.
It's been a disappointing season for the Champions - they've won just two of their last six Premier League games.
Klopp's side have also suffered three successive home defeats against Burnley, Brighton and Manchester City respectively.
Next up for the Reds is a trip to the King Power to face top four rivals Leicester City on Saturday 13 February.
copabcipuy
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What is happening with Liverpool? Bought two central defenders but did not used them both, Why? Alisson two stupid mistakes, why? Midfield is so weak it cannot provide link for attacks. Now looking at the attacking front three in Salah, Firmino and Mane they are all disconnected. They do not play with intensity and purpose, why? Mane is so flat, loses the ball easily, same for Salah. Firmino is try hard but spend too much of his time defending and loses out of attack. Alexander Arnold and Robertson's crossing end up having no centerforward to challenge the goal. So I would think the major problem for liverpool is Mane and Salah, both of them are too relaxed in their games. they need to be pressured by the coach. I beleive the coach should not field the three together, i mean Mane, Firmino and Salah. Sacquiri and salah play very well together. Since Liverpoolhave got two Central defender so Fabino and henderson and Thiago will renforce the midfield line. thank you.