Manchester City star Rodri ‘partially surprised’ with slow Liverpool start

Manchester City star Rodri spoke about Premier League rivals Liverpool and their slow start to the league campaign. According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via SportWitness ) [h/t Liverpool Echo], he admits to being ‘partially surprised’ with the Reds’ current form.

Going into the international break, Liverpool are sitting in the eighth position, accumulating nine points from a possible 18. The Reds lost their fixture against Manchester United to make matters worse. The season-opening FA Community Shield game against Manchester City showed promise after the Reds won 3-1 but it has been a downward spiral since.

The Citizen’s holding midfielder, Rodri believes that Liverpool aren’t in a crisis of any sort but are just “less effective”. Given how well the Reds played last season, the sluggish opening this time around came as a shock.

“The Premier League level is so high that as soon as you slow down, you lose points. Liverpool are not in crisis, they are just less effective, and the Premier League does not allow you to relax.”

Is Liverpool’s form a concern?

The Reds looked at their usual standard when Ajax Amsterdam visited Anfield for a UEFA Group Stage fixture, but it was evident that there was still ample room for improvement. The halt in the Premier League for the national friendlies comes just at the right time for the Reds, who probably needed a breather and get their act together.

With the level at which both Liverpool and Manchester City have been playing over the years, it rather comes as a shock to see the Reds falter like this. City, on the other hand, are yet to lose a game in the league this season.

One will believe that Liverpool’s title hopes this season have already gone up in smoke, but in football, there is nothing certain. There could be a wonderful change in fortunes for the Reds after the international break, and even though it is a long shot, Liverpool can challenge for the title.

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Premier League restarts post the break on 1st October. Liverpool will take on Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield. Meanwhile, Manchester City would want to emerge victorious in their derby against United on 2nd October.