Rio Ferdinand has expressed his "fear" for Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side after they slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.
Despite Mohamed Salah's opener, the Citizens proved too strong, as Julian Alvarez equalised before Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish contributed to another miserable away trip for the Reds
The defeat leaves Liverpool seven points off the top four going into the final 11 games of the season. And while they have a game in hand on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, they are now eighth after being leapfrogged in the table by Brighton and Brentford after their thrilling 3-3 draw at the Amex.
READ MORE: 'Not there anymore' - Jurgen Klopp makes worrying Liverpool claim after Man City humbling
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp's brutal reply about his Liverpool players after Rodri red card question
Saturday's early kick-off marked the start of a vitally important week for the Reds, who now travel to Chelsea on Tuesday before welcoming league leaders Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday week.
And losing the first of those three matches, former Manchester United star Ferdinand says there is an "element of concern" for Klopp's side going into the closing stages of the Premier League season.
"They seem to have lost that mojo in Liverpool, it's hard to put a finger on exactly why," he said speaking on BT Sport.
"You looked at the midfield before the game and every Man City midfielder gets in the team - that's an element of concern for Liverpool and they'll address it in the summer.
"I'd be fearful as a Liverpool fan about getting top four, there's teams around them with games in hand, more consistent, and seem like they got an edge on them. This is worrying times for Klopp and his team."
Former Reds striker Peter Crouch, who was also in the BT Sport studio, agreed with Ferdinand. He said: "I worry for them, I worry for them. Today, that second half they capitulated, really. Man City, as good as they were, I felt Liverpool didn’t lay a glove on them - 60 minutes, half an hour left, it was game over.
"There was defensive frailties and not enough going forwards so going into those big games now you worry. You look at the top four spots and they’re off it. Newcastle have a couple games in hand on them, Tottenham are in fourth position, Brighton breathing down their necks... it’s a real task now for top four."
READ NEXT:
Liverpool hit new low as former Man City boss mocks behind scenes after dismal defeat
Liverpool just took unforgivable step as ominous Jurgen Klopp comment proved right
Liverpool player ratings as Virgil van Dijk and five others bad against Man City
- Pep Guardiola reveals what he said to Kostas Tsimikas and Arthur Melo after goal against Liverpool
Alan Shearer sends scathing two-word Liverpool message after Man City defeat
