Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City was undoubtedly influenced by Ryan Gravenberch’s 62nd-minute red card, but the result also exposed serious concerns about the squad’s depth and recruitment.
While City brought on game-changers like Jérémy Doku and Josko Gvardiol, Liverpool struggled to find effective alternatives, with several key players, including Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, unavailable.
Andoni Iraola deserves time and proper backing, but Liverpool’s recruitment team must answer questions about the squad’s balance. Signings like Jeremie Frimpong have yet to fully settle into their roles, while the club still lacks dependable options in certain positions.
Liverpool cannot rely on their starting eleven alone to compete across multiple competitions. The January transfer window presents an opportunity to address these weaknesses.
The red card changed the game, but the difference in squad depth exposed a bigger problem. Iraola needs backing, and Liverpool’s recruitment team must be held accountable.