Liverpool legend John Aldridge has jumped to the defence of manager Brendan Rodgers. Aldo wrote in the Sunday World: "The thrilling progress made last season has been quickly forgotten as they have tried to adjust to life after Luis Suarez and, with Daniel Sturridge injured, the players Rodgers signed in the summer are struggling to show they are up to the job of performing at the required levels.
"Critics are already suggesting Liverpool's manager is a one-season wonder, claiming the only reason he guided the club to a second-place finish in the Premier League last May was because he had a world class player in Suarez carrying the team.
"However, I believe he still has more than enough time to avert the slide. I also feel Rodgers had his hands tied somewhat in last summer's transfer window, even if the figures confirm he spent over £110m signing nine new players.
"Liverpool's cash reserves were swelled by the sale of Suarez to Barcelona, but it has been evident for some time that the club is not capable of matching the two Manchester sides and Chelsea when it comes to signing genuine top-class superstars.
"Liverpool are willing to pay big transfer fees if the player fits the mould they are looking for, and that tends to be guys who are of an age where there could be a sell-on fee when the time comes for them to leave.
"That may be one of the reasons why a move to sign 27-year-old Loic Remy did not come to pass this summer and then a green light was given, seemingly in error, for the deal to sign 24-year-old Balotelli."
