Former Liverpool star says there is a ‘dark cloud’ hanging over Anfield

Former Liverpool star John Toshack believes there is a ‘dark cloud hanging over Anfield’ which has contributed to the Reds poor start to the season.

Former Wales and Real Madrid boss Toshack says Brendan Rodgers side are suffering from going so close to landing the Premier League title last season, only to miss out to Manchester City by two points on the final day.

“I still think they’re feeling the effects of that a little bit,” Toshack, 65, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“I still think there’s a dark cloud hanging over Anfield from what happened.

“They went so close after being so long without winning that championship.

“I still think there’s a bit of a hangover there. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for them.”

Brendan Rodgers has come under criticism for fielding a weakened team for Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but Toshack believes it was a case of damage limitation for the Reds in Spain.

“Liverpool really are going through a bit of a dodgy spell.

“It looked very much to me as a bit of a damage limitation job. I don’t say they were happy losing 1-0 but I think that if Liverpool had nicked a goal then Madrid would have gone straight down and got another one.

“I think both sides were reasonably happy yesterday.”