Stephen Warnock joins Darren Bent & Andy Goldstein to discuss Klopp's time as LFC manager

"Let me ask you about Liverpool if that's right, and we're going to start with Jurgen Klopp. Eight years he's been at Liverpool now, and we were having this discussion earlier on about whether or not he's been a success at the club. I think 99% of us all say, of course, without a doubt. You can't win the Champions League, the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the World Club—the list is endless—without, of course, being a success. But the counterargument to that is, with the team that he had, is one Premier League title enough? And then, of course, the argument comes back, 'Well, it's Man City you're up against.' When you look back at Klopp's eight years at the club, it can only be a success, right?"

Warnock: "Yeah, 100%. Not only that but when you think of what they're going up against, Pep Guardiola, going up against the money that Man City have got, when you compare the net spends of the two teams and what they've had to do, I would say, hypothetically, would Klopp be able to do what Guardiola's done with the same budget? Would he be able to change the fortunes of Liverpool? Liverpool were eighth in the league when Klopp took over, and now they're a powerhouse. Yes, they had a dip-off last year, but it's incredible what he's done for the team. The style of football they play is phenomenal, and the recruitment of some players, the relationship he had with Michael Edwards, was hugely important."

"So, do you think if Klopp had more money and was able to spend more and bring in different players, you'd see them winning the league year in, year out?"

Warnock: "Yes, I do. Because I think you'd have been looking to bring more depth into the squad. Even this season, with the signing of Endo for £16 million, would you see Pep Guardiola spending that much on a holding midfielder as a backup player? But that's the depth they've got in their squad. Klopp has done phenomenal work, but the club's in a healthier place as well. There are Liverpool fans who are not against FSG but are saying, 'Back him, give him more.' But he knew what he was signing up for when he came into the club."

"What about Salah? I mean, he's replaceable in time, right?"

Warnock: "Everyone is replaceable. If an offer comes in around £175 million or upwards, which the Saudis might be willing to pay, that's a big decision. Salah is also a commercial asset, bringing fans from all over the world. But if you get that offer, it's a rebuild within itself. I wouldn't sell him this season, maybe next season, but you'd have to have someone exciting lined up."

"Speaking of rebuilds, Klopp seems loyal, maybe too loyal. What about this current rebuild at Liverpool?"

Warnock "Realistically, this is the second rebuild since Klopp came to the club. He's changed the forward line, the midfield is slowly changing, and the backline will adjust slightly over the next couple of years. He is in a rebuild, but Klopp's loyalty has perhaps been his downfall. As a player, we'd love a manager who's loyal and thinks you can carry on for a bit longer."

"What about Liverpool's defensive issues? Can they compete for the title this season?"

Warnock: "They need to stop conceding first. They concede too many goals at the back. Without a defensive midfielder, I don't think they can fully compete for the title. I wonder whether Klopp is trying to press higher up the pitch with two high pressing players to prevent counterattacks. But on the whole, I think the result against Brighton was correct. Brighton is a brilliant team, and I love watching them."