Steve Staunton has told Liverpool defender Joel Matip he must be stronger to cope with the demands of the Premier League, insisting the former Schalke man is primarily in the team to defend.
Liverpool's defence again came up short and failed to keep a clean sheet against Burnley on Saturday, with the Clarets earning a 1-1 draw despite the Reds enjoying the majority of the possession and efforts on goal.
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, who refused to bring in a new centre-back in the summer and says there is no issue with the quality of his defenders, has now seen his men drop five points in their last two Premier League games.
Ragnar Klavan and Matip paired up at the back and Staunton was left unhappy with defending from corners.
The former Liverpool defender acknowledged that Matip is good on the ball, but insists his primary duty is to defend.
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"Those two corners, it's simple, pure basic defending", Staunton said on LFC TV.
"Those two defenders need to toughen up.
"You know what, this is the English league we're on about and he [Matip] has to be stronger.
"We know he's a good footballer, but you're a defender and you're in the team to defend", the Irishman, who won the league title and FA Cup with Liverpool, added.
Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets in their eight games in all competitions so far this season and have a goal difference of zero in the Premier League, compared to plus ten for Manchester United and plus 14 for Manchester City.
