Klopp’s startling claim

LONDON: Jurgen Klopp has made the astonishing claim that Liverpool are a defensive team.

The Anfield club have been the embodiment of attacking flamboyance under their German manager, particularly this season with Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane making up their frightening front-four.

Liverpool have already scored 70 goals in all competitions this season, second to Manchester City who have notched 77 times.

However, their title tilt has been beset by defensive setbacks, none more so than last Friday when they allowed Arsenal to score three times in four minutes having taken a 2-0 lead.

Klopp, who wanted to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in the summer, has stood by his defence so far this season; not even criticising them after last week’s capitulation at the Emirates.

And the Liverpool manger has made the surprising assertion that his side are defensive.

“We have a defending approach, we played 4-5-1 (against Arsenal) and they all have responsibility to defend,” said Klopp.

“As long as they do it, we can line up quite offensive playerwise. There is nobody on the pitch who is not involved in defending. The goals were not because we were not defending.

“The goals (against Arsenal) came because we let them cross, it happens in a football game. We let them shoot, it happens also.

“To be honest it’s not true to say I’m naturally offensive. I want to defend first of all because that is the basis for everything.”

Meanwhile, Klopp has left goalkeeper Simon Mignolet sweating on his place in the starting XI after his howler against the Gunners.

The Belgian horribly misjudged Granit Xhaka’s shot, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to score from 35 yards.

“We don’t talk about [Mignolet] now, it’s my job,” Klopp added. Daily Mail