The coach of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, has stated that his team must return to the basic rules of the game, in order to improve the defensive performance. "The Reds" have conceded 14 goals in 9 meetings in all competitions this season, a high and unusual figure for the German coach's confidants. Liverpool has managed to keep a clean sheet in only 2 meetings. Commenting on the situation, Klopp said:
"When you notice a problem and think you've found the solution, you think everything will get better instantly. But this never happens in football. We suffered similar goals, which came from the same areas. When our defense doesn't get its timing right, we are very exposed. So yes, we should be more compact. Defense is an art and has worked quite well for us, for a long time. But now that it's not working, you realize that we have to go back to the basic rules. We can't start everything from scratch. If we help guys with different ways to defend, we have to."
After a 3-3 draw with Brighton, Liverpool are now 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal, who have played a game more. Klopp added:
"People ask how it is that these players don't have full confidence. Do you think that Cristiano Ronaldo at this moment is completely confident with himself? He was the best player in the world for a long time and now things are not going his way. It happens to all of us… You have to do the little things to take a step in the right direction, and really be ready for the good moment when it comes, and that's what we're doing."
