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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Daniel Orme

Rafa Benitez pinpoints Liverpool's difficult problem and makes Jurgen Klopp prediction

Ex- Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez claims that given the competition in the Premier League, it is no surprise to see the Reds have a drop-off but is expecting them to return to their former glories sooner rather than later.

The Merseysiders have endured a hugely inconsistent campaign this term under Jurgen Klopp. They currently sit eighth in the table after 30 matches of the season having won just 13 of their league matches so far.

They still do have fleeting hopes of a Champions League berth following the 6-1 victory over Leeds at Elland Road on Monday evening, but it looks slightly unlikely.

Benitez has claimed that it was only natural for Liverpool to have a difficult campaign given the stunning form of Manchester City over the past few seasons and growing competition from the rest of the division.

However, the Spaniard is predicting Klopp to get the Reds back on track in the near future. Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, he said: "It's difficult to maintain a very high level for a long time and even more so in England with the competition there is, especially against [Pep] Guardiola’s Manchester City.

"In other countries, there are one or two rivals, in the Premier League you can lose to anyone and that affects you in the other competitions. But I'm sure Liverpool will be back to win again soon."

Klopp appears to have agreed with Benitez’s assessment having been left delighted with his side’s dismantling of Leeds. The German refused to predict where his side will end up come the end of the campaign but has already started refreshing his side ahead of next season.

Liverpool are just about in Champions League contention following their 6-1 win over Leeds (Getty Images)

What do you think has gone wrong for Liverpool this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below

As quoted by Sky Sports after the win in Yorkshire, the German coach said: "Where will we end up, I don't know. But it will go on after the season.

“That's why we need all the results and performances to build on and understand, so we can build something new, something slightly different. If we can't get anything this season, then we have to build on good performances.

“I'm thinking like that instead of thinking where we will end up. I have no clue if we can get close but it's not too important.

“I would like to see us with the same desire, passion and understanding that we showed tonight. It's our job to find that consistency.”

Liverpool will be aiming to make it back-to-back Premier League victories this weekend as they take on another of the division’s strugglers in the form of Nottingham Forest. The Reds welcome the Midlands side to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Klopp’s side could potentially put themselves back in the top six should they win and results go their way.

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