Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has lashed out at critics and has said that he has lost respect for them. Speaking after the West Bromwich Albion game, in which his Liverpool side won 2-1, Klopp stated, “Against West Bromwich Albion it was difficult but we have no defensive problem”.
Klopp was speaking after the Baggies pulled a goal back in the last 15 minutes which made for a nervy ending at Anfield. Instead, the manager vented his ire at the critics and stated that there were no problems with the team’s resilience.
Also Read: EPL 2016-17: How Liverpool broke down West Brom's defensive wall at Anfield
The German chose to concentrate on the positives of the Liverpool victory, as they ran out winners on Saturday evening, thanks to goals from Sadio Mane and Coutinho in the first half.
Liverpool had enough chances to put the game to bed but a combination of last ditch defending and extraordinary goalkeeping kept the scoreline down to a respectable total.
Fine with the defending, says Klopp
The German seemed aggrieved at some of the accusations that have been leveled at his team’s defensive resilience. Klopp explained that the team has been working on its defensive shortcomings and insisted that there has been an improvement in the team’s overall defending.
The Liverpool manager was happy with his team’s performance, “It is not the same problem we had last year. I like it more than if they created chances whenever they want because we defend like crazy. I’m fine with this for the moment but only for the moment. For now, I don’t care how we conceded as we won and it was well-deserved.”
The German did accept that the team’s tendency to concede had made for a nervy ending, but, he urged the critics to see the good in the team and appreciate the movement of the front five.
No European competition makes Liverpool title contenders, says Pulis; Klopp dismisses it
Liverpool is currently tied on points at the top of the League with Manchester City and Arsenal. Tony Pulis, the Albion manager said in his post-match press conference that the absence of European competition makes Liverpool strong contenders for the title this season.
But Klopp, in his nonchalant manner, dismissed the West Brom manager’s suggestion, “I played in Europe before and actually it never stopped us doing what we had to do. Playing good football is a big advantage, having good players is a big advantage, don’t play in the week can be a big advantage when you get injuries. I’m not sure if it was meant to be nice or a compliment or to make pressure on us. I’ve no idea but thank you – I’ll tell the players.”
Also Read: EPL 2016/17: Liverpool 2-1 West Bromwich Albion - 5 Talking Points
Klopp also lauded the West Brom performance and their set-pieces, and also spoke about the problems that were present last year and how his team was working its way towards banishing those problems.
Liverpool play Tottenham in the English League Cup on Tuesday night, followed by a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday in the Premier League.
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