Phil Thompson Talks Liverpool Title Hopes, Jurgen Klopp, Daniel Sturridge, More

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson thinks it's hard to dub the Reds "out-and-out genuine contenders" in this season's Premier League title race. He is concerned about their stuttering home form as well as prolific striker Daniel Sturridge's ability to stay fit.

Speaking to Sky Sports News (h/t Huw Bonello of SkySports.com), Thompson called for caution regarding Liverpool's title hopes: "You have to be careful with this side. The home form does have to be a little bit better but they are a genuine top four challenger, they've already played seven of their most difficult away games."   

The ex-Reds centre-back and skipper turned Sky Sports pundit was referring to his old club's stunning form on their travels since German Jurgen Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers as manager.

On Klopp's watch, Liverpool have hammered Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton away from home. They've scored 13 goals in those three wins while playing some breathtaking attacking football.

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The Reds' quality going forward stems from Klopp's adherence to aggressive, pace-based counter-attacking. Liverpool are pressing in platoons to rob the ball in dangerous areas before breaking with rapid and ruthless efficiency.

It's an approach Thompson acknowledges is more suited to thriving away from Anfield: "Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton are all very good teams. They're going to have the ball and attack so you have a great chance to have that high press, 'gegenpress' and counter-attack."

But Thompson believes there's still plenty of work to be done before the Reds can end their problems at home. His view has merit, since Klopp's Liverpool lost on home soil to Crystal Palace and barely scraped past an underachieving Swansea City.

Thompson puts the onus on the manager to find the answer: "The negative is the home games when they have more possession. Klopp has to work tactically on how to break down defences."

Solving the riddle of winning at home can be achieved by coaxing more goals in front of the Anfield faithful. Sturridge is the key man in that plan provided he can stay off the treatment table.

Thompson stressed the England goal-getter must be "handled with kid gloves." He called on Klopp to carefully monitor and adjust Sturridge's playing time: "What's important is how Jurgen Klopp handles Daniel Sturridge; how many games he plays, how many minutes, but more important than anything is his recovery afterwards, immediately afterwards and then the next day."

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Thompson is right to emphasise the importance of keeping Sturridge fit. When fit and firing, the former Manchester City and Chelsea man is a lethal finisher Premier League defences fear.

His pace and smart runs can help provide the natural focal point and flourish to Liverpool's combination passing between the midfield and forward lines.

Thompson is espousing the right sentiment regarding Klopp's new-era Liverpool. Namely, he's preaching cautious optimism.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund gaffer has quickly gotten the best out of his new club's legion of attacking talent and playmakers. But there's also work to be done at the back as well as in establishing some consistency, especially at home.

Without that work, Liverpool will be much improved under Klopp. But the Anfield club won't mount a sustained title challenge, at least not this season.