SO CAN JURGEN TURN THIS AROUND?

WHAT are the major problems at Anfield and is Jurgen Klopp the man to fix them? Mirror Sport reporters have their say:

DAVID MADDOCK

The fundamental problem is Liverpool do not have the resources of their rivals. Usually, what you spend on your wages is where you finish in the league. Liverpool’s wage bill is fifth in the Premier League, soo they should finish fifth. Fourth last season was punching above their weight. Is Klopp the man? Well, he finished fourth last season, so that suggests he is. And his record at Dortmund – in finishing higher than bigger-spending Bayern – suggests so too.

ADRIAN KAJUMBA

Klopp has stuck stubbornly with the unconvincing Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius as his keepers. He has not solved Liverpool’s defensive problems, as highlighted against Tottenham. He tried to sign Virgil van Dijk (above), but questions have to be asked about targeting one player and not having a Plan B if he did not arrive. Andrew Robertson has not solved Liverpool’s leftback issues. They have an uninspiring midfield bar Philippe Coutinho, who does not want to be there, and lackk a reliable No.9. Klopp has had two years and little has improved. So, on the evidence, no.

NEIL McLEMAN

Liverpool – fans, owners and manager – must decide what is progress this season. Klopp has got them back into the Champions League and having a proper tilt at the title is the next step. But the thrashings by Manchester City and Tottenham show that will not happen this season. And like Everton’s failure to secure a centreforward, Liverpool’s lack of a top-class centre-back is having a psychological effect way beyond one player. Sunday was a wake-up call about the rearguard Klopp has always tried to defend. He deserves more time – and backing in the transfer market.

DAVID McDONNELL

If Klopp cannot see that his squad’s defensive frailties are the root cause of Liverpool’s inconsistency, he is not the man to take them forward. All summer Liverpool were in the market for a central defender and the failure to recruit anyone in that position has led to hapless performances like Tottenham and Manchester City. Also, the failure to bring in a new keeper, and the chopping and changing of Mignolet and Karius, show a lack of trust from Klopp that has also undermined their start to the season.

DAVID ANDERSON

The defence was not good enough last season, so why does Klopp thinks the sole addition of Robertson solves Veverything? Klopp wanted Van Dijk, but should have switched to an alternative when it became clear Southampton would not sell. Neither Mignolet (left) nor Karius are good enough. Instead, he should have signed a new No.1 and promoted Danny Ward. In midfield, Jordan Henderson has not developed and Emre Can is not up to it. A proper scorer is required, not just Roberto Firmino’s false 9. But Klopp should be given this season to find solutions.