Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness believes that the Reds are falling behind in the Premier League title race due to their failure to spend big.
The Premier League champions have been bedevilled by injuries to key players this term, and they find themselves 10 points worse off than leaders Manchester City after losing 4-1 to the league leaders on Sunday.
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted clubs across the globe when it comes to big-money spending in the transfer market, but Souness has nonetheless criticised his former club for not dipping into their war chest in the last two windows.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Souness said: "When you're at the top of the tree, that's when you go and invest big.
"I would think if you're the current champions, European champions year before, I'm sure you could find a bank willing to support you. That's the time to invest."
Regarding Liverpool's chances of a top-four finish, Souness added: "For them it's a challenge. They mustn't feel sorry for themselves.
"They should not talk about the players that are unavailable to them, they should talk about the players available. That's what Liverpool have always done. I think they will finish in the top four but nothing is a formality.
"There's no point saying we've been to two Champions League finals and won one, that counts for nothing. I hope the staff will be reminding them that.
"You are guaranteed nothing. You can get what you deserve if you're talented and match that with effort. It's not a guarantee they will get in the top four."
After suffering three home defeats in the top flight for the first time since 1963, Liverpool now have a week to regroup before next Saturday's trip to Leicester City.
Ben Knapton
