Liverpool are still among the challengers for the Premier League title despite an indifferent start to the season, according to Mohamed Sissoko.
The Reds were beaten to the title by a solitary point by rivals Manchester City in an exhilarating 2021-22 campaign.
Jurgen Klopp's side lost Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich but were still expected to be among the main challengers for the Premier League again this season after spending big on Darwin Nunez.
However, Liverpool have not had the start to the season they were hoping for, sitting eighth in the table after six games with only two wins to their name, drawing three and losing another to fierce rivals Manchester United.
That patchy start means Liverpool are already nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal and eight back of City, who were bolstered in the last transfer window by the arrival of Erling Haaland.
But Sissoko, who represented Liverpool between 2005 and 2008, is sure there is plenty of time to make up the gap.
Speaking to Stats Perform, he said: "For sure [they can still challenge], because the league is not over.
"I think step by step, I think Klopp is going to [do] a good job to start to win [matches] and start to [bring back] confidence.
"When you start the season it depends on injuries, it depends on which players go, which players come in. Those adaptations are not easy but I'm 100 per cent happy with this team.
"Sadio Mane unfortunately left. He was one of the best players but I think the new players are doing well.
"Step by step, once the injured [players] come back, I think Liverpool can fight with that other [teams], for sure."
With a tough run of fixtures ahead of Klopp's side in October, including meetings with Arsenal and Manchester City, the next month could already prove decisive in Liverpool's campaign.
When asked what needs to change for Liverpool to show more consistency, Sissoko answered: "I think confidence. When you don't win the games it's not easy.
"But step by step, with the support, with the injured [players] coming back, I think Liverpool can fight, for sure."
Liverpool will take on Brighton as the Premier League returns on Saturday, before they host Rangers in the Champions League.
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
Brazil legend Marta to retire from international football
Brazil star Marta has announced she will retire from international football at the end of 2024.
The 38-year-old is the all-time highest scorer for Brazil, netting 116 goals in 175 matches for the national team.
She is also the top-scorer in the Women’s World Cup with 17 goals, finishing as a runner-up in 2007 when Brazil lost in the final to Germany.
The forward has won three Copa America Femenina titles and was part of the Brazil team that won silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
Marta could make her sixth appearance for Brazil at this year's Games if she is selected in the squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
"If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment, because, regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team," Marta told CNN in an interview on Thursday.
"There will be no more Marta from 2025 in the national team as an athlete.
"I am very calm about this because I see with great optimism this development that we are having in relation to young athletes."
Al Hilal 3-1 Al Fateh: Neves on target as Saudi giants close in on title
Al Hilal moved 12 points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League as Ruben Neves scored in a 3-1 win over Al Fateh on Friday.
Former Wolves star Neves slotted in from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, as Al Hilal completed a rapid comeback.
Having fallen behind to Lucas Zelarayan's 57th-minute opener, Al Hilal responded swiftly through Micheal before Salem Al Najdi fouled Mohammed Al Qahtani in the penalty area.
Ex-Barcelona winger Cristian Trello and Al Fateh coach Slaven Bilic were booked for their complaints, with Neves making no mistake, paving the way for Ali Al Bulayhi to seal victory in the 15th minute of an extended period of stoppage time.
Data Debrief
Al Hilal have now won 21 games on the spin in the league. They have scored 86 goals across their 28 matches this season, winning 26 in total.
They had 19 shots on Friday, accumulating 2.34 xG to Al Fateh's 0.25, with pass-master Neves creating three chances to go along with his goal.
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