Liverpool 'crisis talks' revealed ahead of Chelsea clash as Jurgen Klopp's position questioned

Jurgen Klopp held a 'crisis meeting' with his Liverpool squad following their chastening defeat to Manchester City.

Liverpool were thrashed 4-1 by City at the Etihad on Saturday in their first game back after the international break.

Mohamed Salah put the visitors in front with a superb finish midway through the first half after great work from Diogo Jota.

But goals from Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish secured a comfortable victory for City, who dominated the second half.

Liverpool are now eighth in the Premier League, eight points off the top four, with only 11 games remaining in their league campaign.

The Reds return to action on Tuesday night against Chelsea, who are without a manager after sacking Graham Potter following their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

Former Brighton defender Bruno Saltor, who joined Chelsea as part of Potter's backroom staff, will take charge of the Blues for the match at Stamford Bridge.

The Daily Mail claim Klopp has held 'crisis talks' with his Liverpool players ahead of the trip to London.

The squad came together to discuss their current problems in a meeting on Sunday, knowing a defeat to Chelsea will all-but end their hopes of a top-four finish this season.

Klopp facing calls to step down

Klopp has come under increased scrutiny this season, with some even calling for him to step down as manager – including former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann.

Speaking to Sky Germany last month, Hamann said: "I think it would be best for both sides if they make a cut in the summer. The team has been falling apart in the last few months."

Klopp touched on the topic himself on Monday when asked to react to the sackings of Potter at Chelsea and former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers at Leicester.

"What can I say about that? I think the elephant in the room is probably, from your point of view, why I am still sitting here in this crazy world," replied Klopp.

"Last man standing! I think both clubs are not in the spots where they expect to be, I cannot say a lot more about it.

"I respect them a lot, to be honest. I like both.

"When I met them, they are really good people and fantastic managers, both of them.

"But still, things can go the wrong way, and when the decision-makers in the club think they have to change, and they change, I think we all accept that part of the business."