Jamie Carragher believes Jurgen Klopp should have taken off James Milner at half-time after finding it “tough” against Manchester City — and says his inclusion in the starting lineup speaks volumes about the club's lack of squad depth.
Milner was forced to deputise at right-back due to the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold through injury.
It was a surprise decision from Klopp, with Man City possessing a youthful frontline of Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish that can create problems with their direct running.
The trio were full of energy as they constantly broke in behind the Liverpool backline as Man City dominated the first half.
Milner was also fortunate to escape punishment for an apparent trip on Foden outside of the box when the 20-year-old had broken clear on goal.
The veteran, 35, is perhaps slightly fitter than other players of his age but it was evident the former Man City man was struggling to cope with the excellent Foden as the visitors pressed forward.
And Reds legend Carragher, working as a pundit for Sky Sports, said Klopp faced a "big decision" on whether to withdraw him at the interval.
"Yes he does [need more help],” Carragher said during the half-time analysis.
“It’s a big decision for Jurgen Klopp whether he changes him, he’s had the yellow card which will be a problem for him.
“He’s found it tough as you would against Manchester City.
He added: “I would make the change with James Milner.
“If it was Trent Alexander-Arnold or Joe Gomez in that position, I wouldn’t bring them off at half-time because they’ve had a yellow card.
“It’s just Milner and his age… he’s found it difficult physically and pace-wise.
“Phil Foden in the second half will be coming down that side and they’ve really attacked it [in the first half]. I’d fear that he may have to make a desperate challenge to keep up with him in some way."
Klopp chose to keep Milner on the pitch for the second half despite his yellow card and the German's gamble nearly backfired, with Milner extremely fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for a foul on Raheem Sterling.
Pep Guardiola furiously remonstrated on the touchline with the officials but Milner was allowed to remain on the pitch - and just seconds later, Liverpool retook the lead.
Man City were able to field both of their right-backs in Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo, leaving Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake on the bench as backup for the left-back spot.
In the opposite dugout, Liverpool had only 20-year-old Neco Williams and Joe Gomez, who has been recovering from a serious knee injury, to rely upon if Milner needed to come off.
Carragher believes the options available for both managers lays bare the sheer difference in their strength in depth.
"That shows the difference when you talk about the Liverpool squad compared to Man City,” Carragher added.
“That’s the only position where there’s no real backup for Liverpool.
“Trent misses out then you’ve got a midfield player at 35, 36 playing at right-back so it’s just showing today, but I think Man City have been outstanding.”
