Klopp feels his side were hard done by

– Juergen Klopp assessed Liverpool’s latest failure to win a Premier League game after a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United by saying: “Football is not fair.”

The Liverpool boss found it difficult to accept that the visitors emerged with only a point thanks to a spectacular long-range goal from Philippe Coutinho after enjoying twice as much possession as Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday.

“I thought we were the better side and created more clear chances. I think we should have won,” Klopp said after a draw that leaves Liverpool seven points adrift of front-runners Manches-

Newcastle

ter City and Manchester United.

A victory that would have moved Liverpool into the top four appeared likely after Coutinho put them ahead in the 29th minute, but they paid the price for failing to take other chances.

Klopp remains confident, however, that Liverpool, yet to win the English title in the Premier League era, are equipped to mount a challenge at the top.

“I cannot talk about our football and the gap between us and other teams. We are having our hard moment and other teams will too,” he said.

“Now the only thing to do is carry on and hope something happens. We are still confident. It’s our duty to be confident because the players have quality.”

Quality is not always enough, however. There has to be defensive organisation and it was lacking when Joselu scored Newcastle’s 36th-minute equaliser following an excellent through ball from former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

Benitez was pleased by his team’s performance against the club he once guided to a Champions League triumph.

“We have got a point at home, which isn’t the best, but against one of the top teams, you will take it,” said Benitez. –