Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi believes Liverpool find themselves in a 'difficult' position due to making a limited number of changes to the squad over a number of years.
Often accused for their lack of action in the transfer market, many supporters believe Liverpool are now paying the price for a lack of investment - particularly in central midfield. Jurgen Klopp shut down a question relating to potential incomings at today's press conference, insisting he does not anticipate further arrivals before the end of the month.
Arthur Melo, a deadline day loan acquisition, and Fabio Carvalho were the two midfielders signed in the summer by the Reds, who have been outran and outfought in this area of the pitch in a number of games this season.
Liverpool certainly appear a side in need of a squad refresh, with a number of first-team members now on the wrong side of 30, and could learn a lesson or two from tomorrow's opponents Brighton. The Seagulls have been masters of the transfer market in recent times and have two players in Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, who would undoubtedly improve Klopp's midfield department.
Offering his view on the Reds' struggles this term, De Zerbi said: "After a lot of years, with the same group, it is difficult. One part of the season can be very difficult, but Liverpool is always a big team with big players and one of the best coaches in Europe. We have to respect them but, in the same way, we have to try and win the game if we want to change our target to make one step more."
Heading into this weekend's clash on the south coast, Brighton sit only one point and one place behind the Reds and have handled the departure of Graham Potter in impressive fashion. De Zerbi's first match at the helm arrived earlier this season at Anfield and the Italian's free-flowing style of play that has continued has left supporters dreaming of gatecrashing the European places.
Asked if his side have viewed the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool as being 'catchable' after their sloppy starts to the current campaign, De Zerbi added: "Liverpool vs Brighton [in October] is one of the best moments in my life, in terms of emotion and passion. If you are speaking about only one game, football is very nice because you can win and lose against all teams. In a competition of 38 games, it is a bit different. There are two or three great teams who have a problem, and we try to take a place.
"The most important thing is the way [we do it]. We are in growth and, for this, mentality is important. Mentality is not only Saturday at 3pm, mentality is Monday at 10am in training and Thursday at 4pm. You can build the right mentality from the right attitude, every day."
READ NEXT:
- Jurgen Klopp just hinted at major Liverpool squad changes for Champions League
- John Henry flies out to seal £257m deal as Liverpool wait on FSG promise
- 'Don't really hear of that' - Curtis Jones open up on injury woes and sets Liverpool target
- Liverpool notebook: Matheus Nunes impresses, Darwin Nunez injury, Joey Barton told off
- Liverpool should have no excuse vs Brighton as Jurgen Klopp gets Premier League wish
