Klinsmann comments on Rafa and on his tactics

The former Germany coach has been less than impressed with the Reds' efforts this season.

Rafael Benitez's performance as the manager of Liverpool has allegedly come under harsh scrutiny from Jurgen Klinsmann, who is the man mooted to take over from the Spaniard if the current situation continues.

The Reds have been eliminated from the Champions League and are playing catch-up in the domestic circuit, having only one win from their last five outings in the Premier League.

The former Germany and Bayern Munich manager insists that the squad as a whole lacks flair, consistency and quality as they compete for a top-four spot and a Europa League scalp this season.

"What you miss in Liverpool is the technical pace and the passing," Klinsmann is quoted in The Sun as saying.

"They have a couple of players who can do that but not all over the place. There's no real flow and there's a lack of creativity."

The 45-year-old believes Benitez has put a mountain of pressure on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, maintaining that the success or failure of the club lies in the hands of those two players.

He continued: "If it's down to Torres or Gerrard, then that's not enough.

"You can't always put it on the shoulders of two players. That's why they need more quality in the team to make sure they finish in the top four this season."

The German went on to attribute the early Champions League exit to the departure of the club's former pass-master, Xabi Alonso.

He added: "It is a big surprise that Liverpool didn't make it to the final 16 because they have always been there over the last few years and had tremendous success.

"There were always questions at the start of the season - especially after losing Xabi Alonso, who was a tremendous asset to Liverpool over the last few years.

"It's sad that Liverpool are not in the knockout stage because that is where they belong, Liverpool's name is huge on the continent."

Klinsmann finally shared his view on the direction that the club must take if they are to regain their footing in the domestic and European circuit.

"In my opinion they are lacking creativity and a real No 10, a playmaker, and a great world-class striker next to Torres," he said.

"It's frustrating to see where they stand now. Over the stretch of six games they just couldn't keep up. They lack quality.

"It also shows in the Premier League that they don't have the consistency to keep up with the big teams.

"Now is a moment to think about how they are to go forward."