Martin Keown sends warning to Liverpool about top-four challenge
The Arsenal legend warns Jurgen Klopp that Liverpool might find it tough to compete on two fronts this season
Martin Keown admits he is worried Liverpool could struggle to secure a top-four finish and reach the latter stages of the Champions League this season.
The Merseyside outfit secured a long-awaited return to the Champions League in Jurgen Klopp’s first full campaign at Anfield after the Reds ended up a point ahead of Arsenal in fourth place in the Premier League table.
Liverpool booked their place in the group-stage draw thanks to a 6-3 aggregate win against Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the playoff round last month.
The Reds made a positive start to the Premier League game with a three-game unbeaten run including a 4-0 victory over Arsenal before suffering a chastening 5-0 loss at Manchester City.
Liverpool started their Champions League group-stage campaign with a 2-2 draw with La Liga outfit Sevilla after squandered a second-half lead with 18 minutes to go at Anfield.
Former Arsenal defender Keown believes Liverpool could find it difficult to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League and the Champions League.
“Their priority will be retaining Champions League football,” Keown told the Daily Mail.
“They still need to do well in it. That’s tougher for them than United and City, who have such brilliant squads.”
Liverpool signed AS Roma winger Mohamed Salah, Chelsea teenager Dominic Solanke, Hull City defender Andy Robertson and Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Reds will take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
