Michael Owen says Liverpool "needs surgery" in a blunt warning to Andoni Iraola ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, with time running out for deals to be concluded
Michael Owen has offered his opinion
Michael Owen has offered his opinion(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Michael Owen says the lack of quality and depth in the Liverpool squad at the moment is "unbelievable" after Andoni Iraola's men started the new season with a 2-2 draw with Newcastle.
Dominik Szoboszlai rescued a point for the Reds at St James' Park with some familiar frailties coming back to bite a Liverpool team that conceded twice in a manner that was a regular occurrence last term.
Former Liverpool striker Owen believes that finishing in the Champions League places alone will not be enough for the Reds' hierarchy, with Iraola needing to aim higher — but only able to do so with some more reinforcements.
"People said Champions League qualification was the aim at the start of the summer, but that doesn't wash with me," Owen said on talkSPORT.
"It would be a nightmare if Liverpool didn't do that because Arne Slot managed it last season and lost his job. I don't think that is enough. The new manager will get time because he is picking up the pieces.
"If you told me 12 months ago, after Liverpool cantered to the league and spent all that money, that there would be this mess, I wouldn't have believed it.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during Sunday's game against Newcastle
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during Sunday's game against Newcastle(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"There is so much surgery needed on that team, that was a great team not so long ago. How this has happened is unbelievable."
However, last week, Owen tipped Liverpool to compete for the Premier League title again, suggesting that it could be Arsenal's closest challengers.
"It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if Liverpool won the league," Owen told the Daily Mail. "They've certainly got some great players and the opportunity of one or two joining as well in the next week or two. It’s absolutely not out of the question.
"But Arsenal have got the better credentials at the moment. They had a good season last season and look very solid. With virtually every other team, there are big questions.
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"I don't think there are any question marks about Arsenal, whereas Manchester City have lost Pep Guardiola and Rodri. That’s two huge blows.
"Liverpool have a new manager and with Mohamed Salah leaving, there are big questions over where the goals are going to come from."
Liverpool.com says: The lack of depth is a definite concern, and the Reds have no choice but to sort that out this week. Failing to do so would be a massive risk in terms of their Champions League status. Get a couple more forwards in, though, and Liverpool could be fairly well set. Iraola's ideas will only be more cemented the more time goes by, and patience will be required.