SCOTT Parker watched Cherries suffer a 9-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool and insisted the club needed to “make a decision”.

The Dorset side conceded a club record-equalling heaviest defeat, as well as the joint-highest loss in Premier League history on Saturday.

Parker admitted post-match to the Daily Echo it had been his toughest day in football.

But he also stressed his current crop of players were “struggling for air” and could see more dark days ahead if his troops were not helped.

Asked whether it was a low point in the club’s season, Parker replied: “At this present moment in time? Yeah, for sure.

“But at this moment in time, where we currently are, I can see some more, to be honest with you.

“So, we need to make a decision, that's just where it is.

“I think I've been clear on that from the minute I stepped in.

“I've been clear throughout all of that in terms of how this season could look for us, these experiences, what we're going to face, what they may look (like) and I stick by that – that’s exactly what it will look like.

“We need to make a decision and try to help this group, this young group who at times are struggling for air.

“Every one of us, me, my staff, the fans, we need to make that decision.”

Cherries have now conceded 16 goals in their past three league games following defeats against Manchester City, Arsenal and now Liverpool.

Assessing the contest on Merseyside as a whole, the Cherries head coach added: “It was absolutely painful.

“My boys were flat to the floor.

“I don't think I can look at one of them and say, ‘okay, we lacked here, lacked there’.

“They were foot to the floor and at times searching for some oxygen and trying to breathe, really.

“It was a tough, humbling experience.”