KLOPP NOT TO BLAME FOR DRAWS
LORIS KARIUS insists Jurgen Klopp’s constant changes are not to blame for Liverpool’s stumble in the race for a Champions League spot.
The Reds have slipped to fifth following disappointing home draws against Everton and West Brom when Klopp made a total of 10 changes.
Liverpool’s boss has made a record 63 alterations to his starting line-up – the most by a Premier League side over the first 17 games of a season since 2001.
He controversially left out Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino for the derby, prompting Liverpool great Phil Thompson to claim the manager did not understand the significance of the game.
Klopp made another four for the goalless draw with West Brom but Karius – one of those changes – insists the manager’s squad rotation is not the reason for the dropped points.
“No,” he said. “If you look at the starting XI it is pretty much a team which has played together before.
“It’s not as if there were six new, young players coming in. We are all professionals and have played a bunch of games together, so there is no excuse.
“The manager picks the strongest team and the fittest one – and I think it was a strong team.”
What cannot be denied is that Liverpool’s high number of draws is undermining their quest for a top-four place.
The West Brom stalemate was their seventh of the campaign and their fifth at Anfield.
Only draw-specialists the Baggies have a higher total and Liverpool are struggling to break down sides who come and park the bus.
Karius is keeping calm, however, and says all of their rivals, apart from Pep Guardiola’s runaway leaders Manchester City, are dropping points.
“We have dropped points, but we still believe in our ability,” said the German goalkeeper.
“We did when we played well and we do when we drop points.
“It’s a long season and there are so many games and so many points to get, so I feel other teams will drop points.
“We saw it with Tottenham recently and the only team flying completely is Manchester City.
“I am still confident in us. We just have to focus on the next game and get the points there. There are still so many points to get.”