Steven Gerrard has branded Liverpool's performance "unacceptable" after his former side suffered their ninth defeat in 12 matches.
PSV Eindhoven triumphed 4-1 at Anfield on Wednesday night, marking the club's poorest sequence of results since a period spanning November 1953 to January 1954.
Gerrard said: "No, it's not [acceptable], they're conceding too many goals, they're wide open, they're vulnerable and unstable."
The former England midfielder highlighted how supporters voted with their feet as PSV scored their third goal, with empty seats becoming increasingly visible around Anfield.
Manager Arne Slot faces intensifying scrutiny following the result, which saw his team concede four goals at home in the Champions League.
Gerrard reserved particular criticism for the defensive unit that concluded the match, declaring that the combination of Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez could never constitute a proper Liverpool defence.
"That's not a Liverpool back four, never will be," the former captain stated on TNT Sports.
His comments followed Slot's decision to withdraw Ibrahima Konate after PSV's third goal, with Gravenberch dropping into defence whilst Jones operated at right-back.
Steven Gerrard has branded Liverpool's performance 'unacceptable'
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Gerrard described Konate's substitution as "huge" and suggested it "sends a story" about the player's current form.
The Frenchman has now been replaced during consecutive matches, having also been withdrawn against Nottingham Forest last weekend after just 55 minutes of play.
The Liverpool legend emphasised the team's defensive frailty, particularly their susceptibility when possession changes hands.
Gerrard explained: "They're conceding too many goals, they're wide open in transition, look very vulnerable and unstable as soon as the ball turns over."
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Gerrard described Konate's substitution as 'huge'
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He noted that the atmosphere at Anfield reflected the gravity of the situation, with supporters departing en masse once PSV secured their third goal with 10 minutes remaining.
"Anfield tells a story; the seats are empty," he observed.
The former midfielder insisted that serious introspection was required throughout the squad following another damaging result.
"Liverpool's problems become deeper, the pressure intensifies even more, and there needs to be soul-searching for sure," Gerrard concluded.
Liverpool were booed at full-time | REUTERSHe acknowledged PSV's excellence on the night, stating they "totally deserved the victory" against a Liverpool side that appeared bereft of answers.
The result means Liverpool have conceded at least three goals in three successive fixtures across all competitions, a statistic not seen since September 1992.
Slot acknowledged the gravity of the situation following the defeat, telling TNT Sports: "The emotions are very negative and disappointing."
He maintained some positivity about his players' response after falling behind, but admitted: "I don't think anyone thought we would lose 4-1."
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