Rio Ferdinand insists Liverpool in a similar 'transitional period' to Man United

Rio Ferdinand believes Liverpool are in a similar transition period to what Manchester United were when Sir Alex Ferguson decided to call it a day on his Old Trafford career.

Liverpool were humbled by Real Madrid in their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at Anfield as the holders came from behind to inflict another damaging defeat on Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Reds were overrun in midfield and punished by the contrasting quality of Madrid's forwards whom simply ran riot after originally going behind through goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.

Defeat leaves their Champions League hopes teetering on the edge and marks another slip-up during a tumultuous season for last year's FA Cup and Carabao Cup champions, who also sit eighth in the Premier League standings.

Ferdinand feels that struggles under Klopp's leadership are a natural process following year's of domestic and European glory and drew similarities with his time at Man United after Ferguson left the scene,

The former United defender told BT Sport: 'I think they are in a transitional period and he has to show recruitment and the nose for bringing the right players in and when to let other players go to build a new team.

'All teams have eras, Manchester United had four teams under Sir Alex Ferguson and Jurgen Klopp is going to have to do that.

'This game didn’t signify that as you are playing against one of the best eras in Real Madrid’s history.

'There were elementary mistakes on the night. You have to give credit to Real Madrid.

Liverpool lost Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich in the summer as the Senegalese star decided to swap Liverpool for Germany and have seen their replacement stars take time to adjust to life in the Premier League.

They have also been hindered by a series of crippling injuries to key stars Virgil van Dijk, Thiago, Diogo Jota and others, and performances this season have been unidentifiable to their teams in recent years.

The Reds have been linked with a summer move for Jude Bellingham but will be relying on a Champions League place in next year's competition to compete in the boardroom with other competing clubs.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl reaffirmed his club's commitment to keeping hold of the English midfield talent amid interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are expected to be leading the race for his signature but the Dortmund official revealed they are yet to receive contact from potential suitors.