‘Not in crisis’ – Man City star opens up on Liverpool’s slow start to the season

Manchester City star Rodri spoke about Premier League rivals Liverpool and their slow start to the league campaign.

Going into the international break, Liverpool are sitting in the eighth position, accumulating nine points from a possible 18. The Reds lost their fixture against Manchester United to make matters worse.

The season-opening FA Community Shield game against Manchester City showed promise after the Reds won 3-1 but it has been a downward spiral since.

The Spanish midfielder, Rodri believes that Liverpool aren’t in a crisis of any sort but are just “less effective”. Given how well the Reds played last season, the sluggish opening this time around came as a shock.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the defensive midfielder was asked if he was taken aback by Liverpool this season.

He replied: “Only partially. The Premier League level is so high that as soon as you slow down, you lose points. Liverpool are not in crisis, they are just less effective, and the Premier League does not allow you to relax.”

Given the shaky start Liverpool have had to their season, one will believe that Liverpool’s title hopes this season have already gone up in smoke, but in football, there is nothing certain.

The last five Premier League titles have been shared between two clubs. The bulk of those (four) have been claimed by Manchester City who are seeking to become only the second team in the Premier League era to three-peat.

The halt in the Premier League for the national friendlies comes just at the right time for the Reds, who probably needed a breather and get their act together.

Premier League restarts post the break on 1st October. Liverpool will take on Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield. Meanwhile, Manchester City would want to emerge victorious in their derby against United on 2nd October.