Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he expected his team to struggle early this season after the loss of Luis Suarez.

The Reds spent heavily to reinforce the squad following the departure of the free-scoring Uruguayan during the summer, including the signing of Mario Balotelli.

The Reds find themselves outside the top four in the Premier League and are struggling to stay in this season's Champions League, but the Liverpool manager is adamant that any initial woes were likely to happen following recent upheaval in the playing squad.

Rodgers told The Mirror: "We lost a world-class talent and the natural progress of the team was halted – we needed the squad rebuilt.

"I think where we are is what was expected. The players we brought in were not really established.

"That decision was made knowing they might struggle a bit initially but further in the future would be big players for the club. That is where we are right now."

Liverpool will look to bolster their push for a top-four finish as they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday.