Ahead of their defeat to Manchester City over the weekend, Hamaan admitted he "wasn't expecting much" from the Reds, despite the fixture's context amid the scandal surrounding the Citizens.

Hamaan exclusively told GB News: "The season for Liverpool and Iraola so far has been average at best.

"They've drawn three times prior to Sunday's game against Manchester City, the Newcastle game being one of them. They have been pretty fortunate, very fortunate, to have nine points. I wasn't expecting much from them.

"I thought Liverpool played well up to the sending-off, but it was very disappointing over the 90 minutes.

"City were by far the better side overall, and they capitalised on [Ryan] Gravenberch's red card; they deserved the win. So, nine points after six games is pretty average for Liverpool so far."

The Anfield crowd and Liverpool supporters were among the most talked-about factors heading into the match, with how City would cope with them a key question.

Hamaan felt the Citizens comfortably handled the home support and need to prepare for further backlash at each away game this season.

He told the People's Channel through Betpack: "In terms of the crowd, it's difficult to say if it was more hostile, but wherever City go now, they will be called cheats.

"All they can do is their job, which they have done very professionally and thoroughly since being found guilty.

"The charges may impact some of the City players mentally, knowing they could get 60-70 points deducted, putting them into the championship, but it does not seem to have affected them, it might have even galvanised them.

"[Enzo] Maresca had big boots to fill replacing [Pep] Guardiola, but I've got to say he's done a very good job so far."

Liverpool are short of forwards for the time being, with Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekiteke and Alexander Isak all out.

Haaman hopes players continue to step up, like Bradley Barcola, in the Reds' upcoming games.

He said: "Liverpool struggle with physicality. When there's a team as talented as City's and capable of outmuscling the opposition, there's only one winner, which is what we saw on Sunday.

"For Liverpool, you would hope someone steps up to be counted on."

The Reds return to action on Saturday at 3pm with a tough trip to face Brentford.