Jurgen Klopp has insisted for some time that his understrength Liverpool side are out of the title race, but Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Leicester City proved a comprehensive final nail in the coffin for the Reds' aspirations of retaining their crown.
'Yes, I'm conceding,' a shellshocked Klopp said, in a lowered tone after defeat at the King Power Stadium. 'I don't think we can close the gap to City.'
The champions have conceded seven goals in their last two games, admittedly against two of the league's best sides this campaign. Depleted or not, Klopp will demand more from his group as he looks to avert the threat of this season seriously derailing.