Eight major problems that have caused Liverpool’s worst start in 50 yearfs

4) Mario Balotelli’s bad influence

Lesser names AND Mario Balotelli, who has been a comprehensive flop since his £16m move from AC Milan. Rodgers knew signing the Italian was a gamble, but he can’t have expected the player to go without a goal in the Premier League until December (and waiting…). Add in his off the field antics – most recently his controversial Instagram post – and you can understand the distraction.