Klopp vows to walk on

In his most challenging period as Liverpool manager, put on a show of defiance yesterday in outlining how he plans to turn his side’s stuttering season around. Klopp struck a downbeat tone following the 3-1 loss at Leicester on Sunday, conceding his team would not be retaining the Premier League after falling 13 points behind first-placed Manchester City. Liverpool are on a run of only two wins in

10 matches and have lost three straight league games for the first time since Klopp arrived at the club in 2015. It has also been a difficult time for the German coach personally with his mother, Elisabeth, dying last month at the age of

81 after contracting Covid-19. He was unable to attend the funeral in his native country because of travel restrictions. Liverpool fans hung a banner on the gates outside Anfield on Monday, with the message: ‘‘Jurgen Klopp YNWA’’ – shorthand for the club’s motto, ‘‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’’. He said he appreciated the gesture but was not in need of any ‘‘special support’’. ‘‘I don’t need a break,’’ Klopp said, dismissing speculation he was contemplating quitting Liverpool.