KLOPP: I’M BAFFLED BY ALL THE CRITICISM

JURGEN KLOPP is adamant Liverpool will be title challengers for years to come and says criticism of their form is unreasonable. Liverpool emerged from Sunday’s clash at Manchester United with a 0-0 draw but the scratchy nature of their play — and the lack of threat from their front three — raised doubts about their credentials to become champions. A big performance against Watford this evening would help release the tension that is building, but Klopp is puzzled by the scrutiny to which his team, who lead Manchester City by a point, are subjected. Liverpool have not won the title since 1990 but Klopp (right) said: ‘One generation has to break through, to make it happen and then for the rest it will be easier. It would be nice if we could be that team. The development of this team is unbelievable. ‘We’ve played in three finals. I don’t know a lot of teams who have done that. ‘We improve constantly in the table, then the moment we don’t improve it’s immediately, “That’s not exactly how it was. What’s gone wrong here?” ‘No plant grows as quick as expectations here. It’s like you get an eye problem when you have to watch our football now compared to when we played such wonderful football a few weeks ago. Sorry for that disappointment. ‘Yes, there were moments when I wish we would fly a bit more but you don’t fly because you want to fly. You fly because you work for it. Why is it such a problem for us to win 1-0?’