Journalist identifies 'key decision' Klopp got wrong after Man City humbling

Journalist Paul Joyce has identified a 'key decision' Jurgen Klopp got wrong at the start of the Premier League campaign.

Rewind to this time last year and Liverpool were in hot pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester City, with a Carabao Cup already under their belts.

Fast forward to the present day and Klopp's 'mentality monsters' are nowhere to be seen, with the Reds currently languishing in seventh place in the table, some eight points adrift of the top four.

Their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on the weekend epitomised their season, echoing their heavy 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

However, Joyce reckons the damage was done before a ball was kicked this season, citing Klopp's shortcomings in the summer transfer window as a reason for their dismal form this term.

What did he say?

Liverpool's midfield has born the brunt of the criticism this campaign, with the likes of Fabinho failing to reach the heights of seasons gone by.

While frequent injuries to the experienced Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara has caught Klopp off guard, forcing him to rely on teenage duo Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic in the middle of the park.

Writing for The Times, Joyce pointed the finger at Klopp, suggesting he chose to invest in the wrong areas of his team.

"The manager misjudged his resources last summer, choosing not to strengthen in midfield, and he simply cannot afford to again get key decisions wrong this time around," wrote Joyce.

Klopp is reportedly plotting a major overhaul this summer, with a flurry of players expected to come and go through the training ground doors.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is said to be the German's priority transfer this summer.

However, the 19-year-old will not come cheap, with the Bundesliga side expected to demand in excess of £100 million for his services.

Meanwhile, current European champions Real Madrid are said to have stepped up their pursuit of the England international.