Jurgen Klopp Threatens to Withdraw Liverpool Players from World Cup Qualifiers

A sixth Premier League defeat in their last nine games left the champions in seventh spot and facing the prospect of finishing outside the top four having waltzed to the title last season.

The extent of Liverpool’s frustration was there for all to see when top scorer Mohamed Salah was substituted just past the hour — the Egyptian clearly baffled by the decision as he took his place on the bench shaking his head.

While injuries to key players have contributed to Liverpool’s demise, the lack of intensity in their play is mystifying and Klopp looked deflated on Thursday.