Former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton has said that Liverpool are "regressing" under the management of Jurgen Klopp, and are fading as serious title contenders.

The Reds drew their previous top-flight tie with Chelsea last weekend after leading through Mohamed Salah's strike, in the same week that Klopp's side wasted a three-goal advantage against Sevilla in Spain.

Barton, who played for Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United in his time in the top flight, has criticised the German's ego as a manager.

"Liverpool are getting closer to the other sides than they are to winning the league," Barton told talkSPORT. "They are actually regressing under Klopp. They are not getting any closer to winning the league.

"Manchester City are now 14 points ahead of them having played the same amount of games. They are closer to West Ham, who are also in the relegation zone, than they are to the top of the table.

"Liverpool are making the same mistakes now that they have made all the way through Jurgen Klopp's tenure. At what point do you say 'he needs to adjust'. His ego is in overdrive."

Liverpool face Stoke City on Wednesday night, followed by a trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion.