Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has said he believes the Reds will recover after their difficult start to the season.
Jurgen Klopp's side were beaten 2-1 at Anfield by Leeds United on Saturday, their fourth league defeat of the season and their first home loss in the competition since March 2021. Their tally of 16 points from 12 games is nine fewer than at the same stage last season, and leaves them well adrift of the top four.
Liverpool have been more impressive in Europe, winning four of their five group games to make it through to the knockout rounds of the Champions League. Benitez won the competition with the club back in 2005, as well as securing a runner-up finish in the Premier League, and expects his former side to turn things around.
"I am not as pessimistic about their prospects as everyone else," Benitez wrote in The Times. "This is not a normal season. They have had injuries, the World Cup is a distraction, but they remain a very strong team.
"I am sure they will recover and get in to the top four in the Premier League, and we know from their performances in recent seasons how they can go far in European competitions."
Liverpool have two more league games before the World Cup, away at Tottenham and at home to Southampton. When the Premier League returns after the international tournament, there will be just two more fixtures before the January transfer window opens.
Will Liverpool finish in the top four? Have your say in the comments section
Liverpool's midfield has come under scrutiny this season, with Fabinho in particular believed to be falling short of his high standards. Benitez rushed to the defence of the former Monaco star, though, explaining how the Brazilian differs from his colleagues.
"Fabinho is a player who needs solutions around him," Benitez added. He is not like Thiago Alcantara who can pass to his left, right, in front or wherever because he can see all these things. But then, Thiago cannot challenge like Fabinho or provide the same balance.
"In Fabinho’s case, the solutions are having players around him in the right positions so he can give them the ball. If this happens then he will make fewer mistakes and can continue protecting the centre-backs. He needs a bit of belief at the moment, but he is still a great player."
Fabinho and his team-mates still have a a chance to go into the World Cup on a high, with a Champions League group stage closer against Napoli on the horizon. Manager Klopp accepted results haven't been brilliant of late, and pledged to respond to the challenge faced by his team.
"My job is not only being here in the moment when the sun is shining and someone gives us a trophy," the German said. "My job is also to be here when we are in a really rough period and I will do that, with all I have, and if possible even more — 100 per cent."
