Ian Rush: 'We have a great manager in Jurgen Klopp'

Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush believes Jurgen Klopp has to be trusted to rebuild a squad which is approaching the end of its natural life cycle.

Performances have dropped off significantly since last season's quadruple-chasing efforts saw the side finish with two trophies.

But the exit from both those domestic cups this term, plus falling well off the pace in the race for the top four - combined with some lengthy injuries - have highlighted the cracks which have appeared in an ageing squad.

The last four matches have seen captain Jordan Henderson, 32, and Fabinho, 29, left out of the starting line-up - although the latter was ill for the defeat at Wolves - while 31-year-old forward Roberto Firmino has only just returned to training having been out since November.

Firmino is one of five players out of contract in the summer, the others being midfielders Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner and third-choice goalkeeper Adrian.

The signings of forwards Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo have started the regeneration process and midfield is an area next due a refresh, with Borussia Dortmund's England international Jude Bellingham the number one transfer target.

A seventh league defeat of the season at Molineux has increased the scrutiny on Klopp but Rush believes he is the man to continue taking the club forward.

"Everyone has faith in Jurgen, we know he is a top manager and it takes time," Rush, promoting the new Anfield Abseil experience where fans can drop themselves more than 100 feet down the side of the Main Stand, told the PA News agency.

"People sometimes forget when we nearly did the quadruple that was an unbelievable season and you are not going to get another season like that.

"You have to go back and start