Rio Ferdinand insists Liverpool find themselves in a similar ‘transitional period’ to Man United

Rio Ferdinand believes that Liverpool are in a similar transition period to Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson decided to end his career at Old Trafford.

Liverpool were humiliated by Real Madrid in their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash at Anfield as the champions came from behind to inflict another damaging defeat on Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Reds were overrun in midfield and punished by the contrasting quality of Madrid’s forwards, who simply went on a rampage after originally losing through goals from Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah.

The defeat leaves their Champions League hopes on the brink and marks another slide during a tumultuous season for last year’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners, who also sit eighth in the Premier League standings. .

Ferdinand feels the struggles under Klopp’s leadership are a natural process after a year of domestic and European glory and drew similarities to his time at Man United after Ferguson left the scene.

Liverpool’s struggles hit another bump after they went haywire in a 2-5 thrashing of Real Madrid.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faces his biggest struggling season yet in charge of the Reds.

The former United defender told BT Sport: “I think they are in a transition period and he has to show recruiting and a nose for bringing in the right players and when to let other players go to build a new team.”

All teams have eras, Manchester United had four teams under Sir Alex Ferguson and Jurgen Klopp will have to do that.

“This game did not mean that, since you are playing against one of the best periods in the history of Real Madrid.

‘There were elementary bugs in the evening. You have to give credit to Real Madrid.

Liverpool lost Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich in the summer when the Senegalese star decided to trade Liverpool for Germany and has seen his replacement stars take time to adjust to life in the Premier League.

Rio Ferdinand (left) believes Liverpool are in a similar transition period Manchester United found themselves in after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson (right) in 2013

Ferdinand believes that Liverpool need to renew their squad by selling some players and reinforcing in other areas

Ferdinand remained at United for one season following Ferguson’s departure from the club.

They have also been hampered by a series of crippling injuries to key stars Virgil van Dijk, Thiago, Diogo Jota and others, and this season’s performances have been unidentifiable for their teams in recent years.

The Reds have been linked with a summer move for Jude Bellingham, but they will be contingent on a Champions League place in next year’s competition to compete in the boardroom with other competing clubs.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl reaffirmed his club’s commitment to retaining English midfield talent amid interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are expected to lead the race for his signature, but the Dortmund official revealed that they have yet to receive contact from possible suitors.