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After Liverpool clinched victory in their first five Premier League matches of the season, it wouldn't have been unreasonable for fans to predict another stroll to the league title for Arne Slot's Reds.
However, a defeat to Crystal Palace at September's end sparked a disappointing three-match losing run. A Champions League loss to Galatasaray was quickly followed by a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea, leaving Arne Slot's squad with issues to solve despite only falling one point behind league leaders Arsenal.
Several of the team's high-profile summer signings are yet to truly make their mark. Jeremie Frimpong, Milosz Kerkez, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were among the big names brought in during the transfer window, but none have yet justified their hefty price tags for the champions.
Next up for Liverpool in the league is a clash with bitter rivals and England's second most successful club Manchester United at Anfield on October 19. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp has thrown his support behind new recruit Wirtz, hailing him as a "once in a century talent", reports the Mirror.
Despite showing promise in general play, Wirtz has yet to notch up a goal or an assist. Consequently, he's found himself the target of a wave of online criticism, fuelled by his 116m transfer fee.
In a chat with RTL and n-tv, Klopp stated: "I don't have to worry about Florian Wirtz because his quality is so outstanding. Of course, everything is fine and everyone knows that. The discussion is certainly being blown out of proportion.
"Liverpool have just lost three games in a row it's unusual for something like that to happen after such a long time. But it's also normal in life. That's why these things are discussed.
"I've been in the middle of such discussions long enough now and I can tell you: nothing could interest people less than the public discussions that are taking place there. So it doesn't matter and everything will be fine."
Liverpool legend Steve Gerrard has sparked a furore among Rangers supporters by turning down the opportunity to return as manager.
Following Russell Martin's exit, Gerrard entered into discussions but pulled out of the interview process over the weekend. His decision has elicited a strong response from fans on the Record Sport Hotline.
One supporter voiced: "I didn't want Gerrard back as the last time he jumped ship before he was pushed. He's now been sacked from two clubs and Rangers were throwing him a life jacket as no-one else wanted him."
Another chimed in: "It's no surprise that Stevie G turned the job down. No manager in their right mind would enter such a toxic environment and take over a team laden with duds."
Chairman Steve Parish claims the genuine reason behind Marc Guehi's collapsed transfer to Liverpool was the London club's maiden European campaign.
Guehi's deal expires next summer and he'll be eligible to discuss terms with other clubs from January 1.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Parish explained why Guehi remained at Selhurst Park, even if it means him leaving on a free transfer, with the club missing out on a hefty transfer fee.
Parish told talkSPORT: "I decided in the end, that based on the advice that I got and with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc.
"We don't guess about these things. If you look at it rationally, if you look at what is worth the place in the Premier League, the fact that we're in the Conference League for the first time in our history, this is a fairly unusual set of circumstances in which to keep a player."
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