Friday 15 September 2017 11:14, UK
Paul Merson has urged Liverpool supporters to keep their faith in Jurgen Klopp, who he believes needs more time to turn the club into genuine title contenders.
Liverpool have failed to replicate the scintillating performance which saw them blow Arsenal away before the international break, shipping five goals at Manchester City before being held by Sevilla in their Champions League opener.
The results have led to questions being asked of Klopp's ability to end the Merseysiders' 27-year wait to be champions.
But, speaking on The Debate, Merson believes the Reds boss is two-thirds of the way to fielding a side capable of mounting a sustained title tilt.
"I like Jurgen Klopp," he said. "But let's not get carried away, Liverpool are where you'd expect them to be at the moment. I didn't expect them to win the league this season.
"Managers don't know everything about the Premier League after being here for a year-and-a-half - it will take Klopp time.
"I just think he's got it back to front at the moment. He's got his attack sorted, and the midfield to a certain extent, but the defence is some way off.
"That's good enough in Germany but not in the Premier League - just ask Pep Guardiola, who found himself out of the title race last season within no time.
"Liverpool should keep faith with Klopp. Two weeks ago he was the hero having wiped the floor with Arsenal.
"They got beat at Man City after going down to 10 men and then were held by Sevilla, who are not the worst team in the world.
"Liverpool will be there or thereabouts this season and they will entertain. The Premier League blew Guardiola away last season, Klopp will need time."
Liverpool host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday before two trips in a week to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester, in the Carabao Cup live on Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm on Tuesday, and then in the league on the evening of Saturday, September 23.
