Peter Schmeichel’s blunt judgment on Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City title prospects
Peter Schmeichel, a former goalkeeper for Manchester United, believes that Liverpool cannot contend with Manchester City this season.
So far in the new Premier League season, Jurgen Klopp’s squad has been able to maintain a close watch on Pep Guardiola’s recent treble victors. The Reds have won four matches and drawn one, while their opponents have won all five.
Four midfielders were acquired during the transfer window to bolster the club’s engine room, which was the primary focus of the Anfield hierarchy.
City found successors for all departing players, including the £90 million acquisition of Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol.
It is Schmeichel’s opinion therefore that the reigning champions remain one step clear of Liverpool at present due to their supposedly superior back line.
“I do not believe [Liverpool] is capable of [keeping up with Manchester City]. I don’t believe so,” the Danish analyst stated on Premier League matchday live. “If there is a team, it could be Arsenal, but this is a very remote possibility.
“I don’t believe anyone can compete with Man City; we were just looking at their lineup and back four today; how are you going to contend with that? Gvardiol, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji – How could you possibly compete with that?
“You cannot match it, and Liverpool cannot match it either. I concur with [Steve McManaman], they are incredibly vulnerable in the rear.”
Alongside the former goalkeeper, ex-Red McManaman was also on punditry duty, criticizing Liverpool’s defense before Schmeichel’s forthright verdict.
“It is evident from the way Liverpool plays that they are going to score goals. However, they will concede them,” the former midfielder explained.
“Because they are vulnerable at the rear, they will play in interesting, exciting matches.
This year, witnessing Liverpool will be a roller coaster because there will be many ups and downs. They will concede goals in abundance.”
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota’s return from long-term injuries has made Liverpool’s squad significantly stronger than it was at the start of the previous season, according to McManaman.
Peter Schmeichel’s blunt judgment on Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City title prospects