Jose Mourinho has said that Liverpool are faltering and may not have what it takes to win the Premier League title.
The Portuguese, who won three titles in two spells at Chelsea, had questioned the mentality of Jurgen Klopp’s side before their draw with Everton on Sunday.
And after the 0-0 stalemate at Goodison Park, the former Manchester United boss said that the Reds were now “not the same” as they were in the first half of the season.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Mourinho said: “’I think Liverpool are not the same as they were a few months ago where everything was going in their direction.
“The Salah chance (against Everton) would be a goal. These little things, I don’t think they are as they were before.
“He would have scored six weeks ago with his right foot, with a deflection, with a rebound.
For example, my last match (managing United) against Liverpool, the two winning goals were two deflections. They had moments – but I think this is not their moment.”
The 56-year-old said that Liverpool’s recent form – two wins and four draws in their last six league matches – was proof that their title challenge would falter.
He also highlighted issues with individual players that were causing Klopp ‘problems’ as injuries and loss of form began to bite.
Mourinho said: “You can see for example (James) Milner for a period was a phenomenal player for them. He’s (now) on the bench – why? Because the form is going a little, because he is a little tired, because he has a little knock and is not fully fit.
“The same happened with (Roberto) Firmino. He is coming back now (but) is he fit to start? No probably not. That is why he is on the bench. They are having these little problems.”
The ex-manager said that any team challenging for a title will have a difficult period which they need to overcome.
He said: “In my last title (win) at Chelsea we played QPR. QPR were relegated. We played bad but we didn’t concede, and in the key moment of the game, the 91st minute, you score and you win. We played awful but we won.
“I think Liverpool is in this moment. Against Manchester United, they should win that match but they didn’t – I think they are, in this moment, so-so.”