Micah Richards has slammed suggestions that Liverpool have assembled their squad on a 'shoestring budget' as 'ridiculous'.
Richards was writing in his BBC Sport column following Manchester City’s dramatic Premier League title win. City came from behind to stun Aston Villa at the Etihad.
On the same day, Liverpool also came from behind to beat Wolves at Anfield. But as a result of City’s win, they lost out on the title by a single point.
ANALYSIS: Mohamed Salah sends Real Madrid message as Thiago concern grows
IAN DOYLE: Mohamed Salah sends Real Madrid message as Thiago concern grows
JURGEN KLOPP: Liverpool boss sends message to Pep Guardiola and reveals reaction to fake Aston Villa 'equaliser'
However, Richards has taken aim at suggestions that Liverpool haven’t flashed the cash in recent seasons. The former City defender has pointed to the signings of Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk as proof the Reds have shown serious spending power.
Just last week, Patrice Evra took aim at Pep Guardiola for not being able to 'train people with personality' in the wake of City's Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid. And Richards believes those claims are as 'ridiculous' as the ones that Liverpool have not splashed the cash in recent transfer windows.
“To suggest Liverpool have built their team on a shoestring budget is every bit as ridiculous as saying City are dull,” the former England international wrote.
“When a team such as Leicester win the title, then you put your hands up and say it really is an incredible feat - but for starters Klopp has broken the world records for the most expensive goalkeeper ( Alisson, for £66.8m) and defender (Virgil van Dijk, for £75m).
“That's some spending power, and of course it has made a difference. This Liverpool team is outstanding too, and their rivalry with City has seen them push each other to even greater heights - this is the second time a Klopp side have ended with 90-plus points but missed out on the title.
“Quite rightly, while they were chasing a first English quadruple this season, I kept hearing how great Liverpool are - so how good must the team be that, over the course of 38 games, has finished above them this time and a total of four times in the past five years?
“Yet City never get the same recognition as Liverpool no matter what they win or how they do it, and it makes no sense to me. Hopefully Sunday finally silences that argument and proves to everyone that they are not boring - they are brilliant.”
