27 August 2023 , 08:00
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Jose Enrique believes Newcastle are now a stronger team than Liverpool - leaving Jurgen Klopp's hopes of a top-four finish in doubt.
The Reds travel to St James' Park on Sunday to face Eddie Howe's overachievers, with fans intrigued to see how the two teams will get on. Liverpool supporters are desperate for their club to get back on track after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.
As for Newcastle, they are looking forward to a first Champions League campaign in two decades. The Magpies stunned English football by finishing one place higher than Liverpool last time out and Enrique thinks they could repeat the feat.
The Spaniard, who played for both clubs during his career, has urged Liverpool to sense the danger by making "two or three" signings before the transfer window closes. He believes the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, must give Klopp more support.
Enrique was asked by Mirror Football if Newcastle are now stronger than Liverpool. "They are, if you're talking about the whole team," he replied on behalf of Grosvenor Sport. "I think the starting XI with everyone fit, Liverpool are still a stronger team than Newcastle. But if you're talking about the squad, I really believe Newcastle have a better squad.
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"I think they are more compensated in many areas. The only one where they should sign (someone), in my opinion, is maybe another centre-back. But apart from that, they are sorted. Liverpool need two or three more signings to complete the squad."
Liverpool have strengthened this summer by bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo. Yet they've also lost several players, including Jordan Henderson and Fabinho after they joined Saudi clubs Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively.
Enrique believes Liverpool must sign a defensive midfielder if they want to pip Newcastle to Champions League football. "Right now, how the teams look without any new additions, I think Newcastle are actually the favourites.
"Liverpool definitely need another defensive midfielder. The player they have just signed (Endo) is good... but they need another one. I know (Stefan) Bajcetic can play there as well, but he's just come back from a big injury, we don't know how he's going to do.
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"Mac Allister, you can see he's not a No.6. He cannot play there, the way Liverpool play. Definitely, they need someone there... and a right-back and probably a centre-back, too. Maybe a right-winger."
As for Newcastle, Enrique has praised their "fantastic" style of play under Howe. The Magpies lost their most recent game 1-0 to Manchester City but hammered Aston Villa 5-1 at St James' Park on the opening day to leave Klopp and his men cautious.
"St James' Park is a fortress, it's a very tough stadium to play against (the home team) and when you play for them it's fantastic. Obviously, I know both scenarios. It's very nice and very not nice!"
But who is Enrique backing to win on Sunday? "Newcastle are the favourites to win, that's the truth. At St James' Park, it will be very difficult for Liverpool to win. But I will go for a draw. 1-1 will be a good result for me!"
Jose Enrique was speaking to the Mirror on behalf of Grosvenor Sport
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