Jurgen Klopp has played down speculation that Liverpool need to "rebuild" this summer despite the clear gulf in quality between the Reds and Manchester City.
Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for a league title last season but their defence of their crown has been underwhelming to say the least.
Klopp was dealt major blows early in the season as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were ruled out with major knee injuries, and his side's form has crumbled in 2021 with six defeats in nine games.
The Reds now sit sixth in the Premier League table, a whopping 19 points behind champions-elect Manchester City.
Nonetheless, Klopp insists a drastic clear-out and heavy recruitment this summer is not the answer to Liverpool's problems.
"Rebuild? No," said the Anfield boss, per The Times . "I don't think it is time for a massive rebuild like how I understand it: six, seven out, running contracts but trying to get rid of them and bring in all the new faces.
"The squad of this year didn't have the chance to play together one time really. I think it would make sense to have a look at that but, on top of that, of course little readjustments will happen.
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"Reacting to the situation but planning, at the same time, for the future and all these kinds of things. I am not sure we can do that in the summer, but that is what we will try."
With their title defence over, Liverpool's aim is to finish in the top four and Klopp insists he will not leave his post however poor the Reds' form is.
He added: "The important message, even in this moment, is we are still Liverpool and that is what we feel.
"We are Liverpool when we win 20 games in a row, or whatever, and don't lose, and not when we lose matches? No. We are still Liverpool, and that is what I love.
"That, of course, gives me energy. So I am not here only for the big celebrations. I am here for the work. And if it is the dirty work, the hard work, no problem."
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