REDS ARE FEELING HEAT... TIME FOR LEADERS TO STEP UP
PAUL INCE believes Liverpool’s title drama will turn into a crisis if they do not beat Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Reds have now drawn two of their last five Premier League games and lost the other to hand Manchester City the chance to go top with a win at Everton tonight.
After being held by West Ham on Monday, Jurgen Klopp’s side can get back on track against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Ince said: “That feels like a must-win game – alarm bells will start to ring should they fail to win that.
“Liverpool also need to be wary of Tottenham. At the minute, they’re playing their football knowing that the eyes are nearly all on the top two.
“In fact, they’re only two points behind City now and should be taken more seriously as a threat.”
Ince, twice a title winner with Manchester United, still reckons Liverpool can see it through.
He added: “Despite this blip, I believe Liverpool will still go on and win it. But they need to focus and get in a good place mentally.
“This is where leaders are crucial – Virgil van Dijk and James Milner need to step up. They need to reassure the team there’s a long way to go yet and steady the ship.
“There are plenty of Liverpool players who haven’t won anything yet, so it’s unsurprising that pressure is mounting on them.
“And of course Jurgen Klopp’s behaviour from now on is crucial, he needs to bring that confidence back to the players and make sure they don’t doubt themselves.
“Man City have the experience of winning it before and that’s
DLFAwhat Liverpool are up against. You can see pressure has got to the team, the results against Leicester and West Ham show that.
“Every title-winning team goes through a rough patch and this is Liverpool’s. How they respond will determine whether they can go on and win the league.
“This is the real test now. The lack of confidence and fatigue they seem to be experiencing at the minute could cost them big.” Ince’s views were echoed by Liverpool keeper Alisson, who hit out at the “silly passes” made by his “insecure” team-mates in the draw at West Ham.
Alisson said: “I believe we had glimpses into the game. Some moments of insecurity.
“We started ahead. But from the moment we started to miss some passes – silly passes we are not used to missing – I think the team lost a little confidence.
“I still believe our team is on the right track. Now we do not have much room for hesitation. If we want to be champions, we have to win everything from now on.”