Souness claims Liverpool are at ‘meltdown’ stage

Former Liverpool boss Graeme Souness believes the club is currently in ‘meltdown’ stage.

Following the Reds’ inability to go through to the next stage of the Champions League, Souness says it is a disastrous situation for the Anfield club.

"My big fear is that they are in meltdown. They are hundreds of millions of pounds in debt and if they don't get into the Champions League, the banks will be knocking on the door,” Souness told Sky Sports.

"If they don't qualify for the Champions League, the big players won't want to join.

"That would be the first time in as long as I can remember. They are hundreds of millions of pounds in debt and they need a new stadium to keep up with the rest and just stand still.

"Every year they are dropping off the pace so they need a new stadium.

"If they don't get to the Champions League the banks will be knocking on the door wanting to replace the income stream that the Champions League would give them.

"All those scenarios are frightening for Liverpool supporters.

"I can't see them becoming a Leeds United because I think there will always be someone out there, whether it be a Russian or someone from the Middle East, who deep down is a big fan and would get them out of a hole - a saviour if you like."

Souness admitted that the club has to improve out of sight in the second part of the season and focus on finishing in the top four of the Premier League and not on other cups that at this stage are insignificant to the club.

"I think there is real danger. They have to look at the second half of the season," he added.

"The Europa League means nothing to Liverpool. I'm a Liverpool supporter and I would love them to finish in the top four and win the Europa League and FA Cup.

"But if there was a choice of those three it would be to finish in the top four.

"If you are looking to move your club forward you have to encourage the best players to come to your club.

"If they are not in the Champions League that won't happen because you won't have the same income coming into the club.

"If you are already in debt the banks will put pressure on Liverpool because they want money from somewhere to lessen the debt they have right now."