Liverpool legend John Barnes has urged fans to drop their expectation levels.

Liverpool endured a torrid season last year and with a host of key players departing this summer, the Reds have a tough rebuilding job on their hands.

As a result, former Anfield ace Barnes is urging fans to keep their expectations in check and added that replacing the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez will take time.

"It's going to take time. Steven Gerrard is not there, Luis Suarez is not there and Daniel Sturridge may be injured. Fans are going to have to be patient," the ex-England winger told talkSPORT's 'Drivetime'.

"The expectation levels will have to drop. It's not so much who they need, it's what they can get. They aren't going to be able to go out and get a [Karim] Benzema."