‘End of an era’ - Thierry Henry didn’t hold back about Liverpool after 5-2 loss v Real Madrid

Thierry Henry believes Liverpool have reached the end of an era following Tuesday night’s 5-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoyed a dream start in front of their home fans at Anfield, taking a 2-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.

But the Reds went on to concede five goals at home for the first time ever in European competition.

Man of the Match Vinicius Junior levelled the scores with a brace before half-time. Karim Benzema helped himself to two goals in the second half, while Eder Militao also got himself on the scoresheet.

It was a humiliating defeat for Liverpool, who now have a mountain to climb at the Bernabeu in order to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

What did Thierry Henry say about Liverpool?

The inquest began live on CBS Sports after the final whistle - and Henry saw enough to convince him that it’s the end of an era for the Merseyside outfit.

“They conceded too many goals against Brentford, Wolves and Brighton - let alone before you play a team like Real Madrid,” the Arsenal legend said.

“I wanted to know where they were and I saw a fragile team. More than fragile, why? They were 2-0 up. That's exactly the start you would like to have against a Madrid team or any team in Europe at Anfield and they couldn't even keep that.

“Yes, Alisson made a mistake but they didn't bail him out. Thibaut Courtois makes a mistake - that's a big team, they bailed him out.

“They are fragile and some things need to change. I don't think Jurgen Klopp needs to go but some players don't have the level anymore to play for Liverpool. It happens to the best, it happened to me. It's the end of an era.”

What else did Thierry Henry say about Liverpool?

While Luka Modric (37) and Benzema (35) are two of the greatest footballers of their generation, Henry doesn’t believe the ageing duo should have been allowed to run the show against Liverpool.

“I’m not having a go at Liverpool but you have to call a cat a cat,” the Frenchman added. “They are not playing well they are conceding a lot. We all love what they have done recently. It's a tough one, they are conceding five at home and getting outplayed.

“When I see a guy like Luka Modric at his age getting the ball and bursting through the midfield like they were not there and passing the ball to Vinicius and Vinicius passing the ball to Benzema and him toying with the keeper, I just think that is not good enough that team gave us so much.

“But right now they are not good so they need to reinvent themselves and keep their head up until the end of the season.”