Steve Nicol drops brutal verdict on Liverpool's top 4 chances

Liverpool are going to want to bounce back this season.

Their 2025-26 campaign will be one that they will almost certainly want to forget with the club only just managing to scrape a fifth-place finish.

Indeed, Arne Slot was sacked due to the poor form that the Reds were in but, without some new players being brought in, it's hard to see how they'll perform any better.

Of course, Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have been added to their ranks but, if they're the only two new players who come in, Liverpool will be in a whole world of trouble.

That is, especially if their title rivals continue signing new players.

Steve Nicol doesn't think Liverpool will finish in the top four this season

Before Iraola was even appointed as Liverpool's new head coach, it was clear that more change was needed at Anfield.

Indeed, the Reds did spend around £450 million on new players last summer but, with how badly they all performed, it feels like another £450 million is needed to just set things straight.

Without adding at least three or four more players to their ranks, there isn't a chance that Liverpool will place higher than fifth.

Their squad depth is non-existent and, even when their back-ups are fit, it probably won't be long until they're side-lined again.

During their first three pre-season games, they managed to win to and lose one and, while this may be seen as respectable, it certainly didn't fill fans with hope for what lies ahead.

And now Steve Nicol, while speaking to ESPN FC, has shared his thoughts on how things are going to pan out for Liverpool this term.

"It’s going to be an incredible game, because I’m not quite sure who’s going to play for Liverpool or for Newcastle. Both teams are in absolute turmoil right now," he said.

"Liverpool are not favourites to be in the top four right now. In fact, right now they’re not favourites to be in the top six. There are easily six teams in a better position right now than Liverpool are."

Andoni Iraola needs to prove his worth at Liverpool as soon as possible

Obviously, Iraola did exceptionally well when he was the manager of Bournemouth.

The Spaniard managed to earn the team their first ever qualification to European football and even managed to earn them a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last term.

However, because the Cherries aren't a big club, there is a lot less expectation on their shoulders than there is with a club of Liverpool's size.

The Anfield outfit are expected to do far better this season than they did last term and, to do this, Iraola needs to prove his worth.

Of course, if deals aren't done for new players then the Spaniard will struggle but, with the recent advancements in the transfers of Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola, Liverpool could be onto a winner.

That is, especially if Iraola manages to get the best out of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.