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Liverpool told what to do to defend Premier League title

Liverpool, Steve McManaman
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Steve McManaman has reflected on Jurgen Klopp’s decision to get rid of the two long-term Liverpool servants Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana.

Lovren left Anfield to join Zenit Saint Petersburg for €12million, while Lallana linked up with Brighton & Hove Albion after running down his contract at Liverpool.

After securing the services of attacking-minded left-back Kostas Tsimikas, reigning Premier League champions are looking to close things out for Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara.

The Reds have so far been reluctant to pay the £27million required to land the 29-year-old playmaker, with Arsenal and several other top clubs now joining the race.

With Lovren and Lallana now gone, Jurgen Klopp is on the lookout for possible reinforcements, as Liverpool’s Premier League title defense will start next month.

McManaman believes the German manager will have to find suitable replacements for the departed duo, potentially going after some experienced players.

“It’s very uncertain times financially,” he told the Daily Star.

“But if you are losing players like Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana, you also need to bring in experience as it keeps the momentum going while integrating youngsters.

“You need squad rotation to battle on three or four fronts, and you want to sign quality players.

“I would ideally prefer a slightly bigger squad.

“And, the way they play, another great forward would be useful.”

Liverpool will take on newly-promoted Leeds United in the 2020/21 Premier League curtain-raiser on September 12.

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