Former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has slammed the club owners for selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona halfway through the season, saying they have taken an unnecessary risk with their future.
Having tried and failed to engineer a move to the Nou Camp last summer, Coutinho was finally allowed to complete the switch for £142million this month, but Jurgen Klopp has so far been unable to reinvest in a direct replacement.
Purslow, who originally recommended the sale of the club to John W Henry and New England Sports Ventures in 2010, says Coutinho's departure has significantly reduced their chances of winning a major trophy and increased the chance of dropping out of the top four.