Liverpool legend and former skipper Sami Hyypia claims Jurgen Klopp’s side lack balance between attack and defence, and that their defensive issues have only increased while the German has been in charge.
The Reds have conceded 16 goals during their first 10 Premier League games so far this season and have been battered by pundits for their frailties.
And speaking on BT Sport ESPN before their Champions League victory over Maribor on Wednesday, Hyypia admitted that their defensive woes are becoming a big issue for the club.
“I had more protection and there might be some issues with the balance in the game.
“Everyone likes it when Liverpool is playing that game and everyone is going forward, but you need to have a balance in the game. In some situations the balance is not there.
“But that’s not the only issue for the centre-backs. Maybe I would have had more difficulties if I had to play on the halfway line nowadays.
“How Jurgen Klopp wants the team to play the back four is actually defending near the halfway line and not nearer to their own goal. So the space at the back of the defence is much bigger.’
“There is a lack of communication. They are not doing it together. There are situations where the centre-backs and defenders don’t know who is going and who is staying.
“There are not enough leaders in the team. Somebody needs to take charge on the field and talk. Communication is everyone’s responsibility.”
Former Red Michael Owen backed up Hyypia’s claims, saying that Liverpool’s midfield have also failed to do their job by adding protection to defenders.
“The way they play is difficult to defend. It’s far easier when you’ve got a sitting midfielder or two in front of you, and full-backs that don’t go forward.
“The type of midfield players they have there’s no real out and out sitting midfield player. Jordan Henderson is the main person doing that but he’s running everywhere.
“That type of player that just accepts he will sit and be disciplined, I don’t think Liverpool have got that type of player.”
[Quotes via Daily Mail]