Ex-City Lescott points out significant reason for Liverpool's shoddy form

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott believes the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich is one of the main reasons for Liverpool's poor form in the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Reds are languishing 10th on the log standings, only registering two wins, four draws and two defeats in eight games, in what has been shocking run of results for the Merseyside.

How's your team looking after another #PL Matchweek? pic.twitter.com/keuqZCNti2

Jurgen Klopp's troops, who have been City's main title rivals in recent years, are agonisingly 14 points behind current league leaders Arsenal (13 points behind second place City) but do have a game in hand.

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During the off season, Liverpool bid farewell to several players such as Divock Origi, Ben Davies, Takumi Minamino and Neco Williams but the departure of Mane has been the most significant loss, according to Lescott.

Speaking to reporters in Cape Town, Lescott, who is part of the Premier League trophy tour, says that Mane left a huge gap in the way Liverpool operate when attacking and defending. 

"Obviously they are disappointed with their performances and results but listen, it is a tough league. It is getting more competitive every year," Lescott, who is the current under 21 England assistant coach, noted.

"They have lost one of the best players in recent seasons in Sadio Mane, so it was never going to be the same level of strength.

"I am sure they believe they could mirror that gap that he left but he is a top performer."

Liverpool welcome City to Anfield on Sunday for a delightful league clash that will sure pack action and drama. 

Lescott does not rule out Liverpool as title contenders despite the gap they have to close