Liverpool legend fires title warning to Jurgen Klopp

The Reds fell to their second defeat of the season to Southampton, leaving hopes of retaining their title in danger.

Jamie Carragher has warned Jurgen Klopp that he won’t be sipping champagne at the end of the season if the Liverpool boss fails to sign a center-back.

A 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Monday night has left Liverpool level on points with Manchester United at the top of the league standings. Goal difference may give them a slight edge, but their rivals have a game in hand. Leicester City are also just a point behind in third, with seventh-place Everton just four points adrift.

This turnaround in fortunes is a far cry from Liverpool’s title-winning campaign from last term. The Reds were untouchable, finishing 18 points above Manchester City to claim a first league crown in three decades.

But injury issues, especially in defense, could very well cost Klopp a similar ending this season.

“I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t buy a center-back,” ex-Reds defender Carragher told Sky Sports.

“I said that after the Everton game when [Virgil] van Dijk was injured, but I think it’s a really tough ask if they don’t bring anyone in.

“The fact they played Jordan Henderson at center-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench [Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips] and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a center-back. He did well, but it’s not his position.”