COUTINHO We’re all to blame for the Kop troubles
Don’t blast defenders for the goals we’re conceding, says Coutinho – we’re all to blame
PHILIPPE COUTINHO claims the whole Liverpool team share the blame for comic-book defending... not just the back four and goalkeeper.
The Brazil star has urged the Reds to put the problems right on the training ground to avoid more “silly goals”.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have by far the worst away defensive record in the Premier League, have not conceded more goals in the top flight in their opening nine games since 1964.
They have shipped 16 goals in the Premier League and 15 of those have come away from home, including five at Manchester City, four at Spurs, and three early in the season at Watford.
All four goals in the thrashing by Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday resulted from some Keystone Cop defending.
Anfield legend Graeme Souness said Klopp needs an “organiser” at the back, but Coutinho said: “It’s not just about the defence, it’s about the whole team.
“The first goal started out wide when everyone was involved in defending, not just the wingers or full-backs.
“We have to improve this as quickly as possible in order to win games.
“In more difficult games like the Tottenham match that’s what decides results. It’s those challenges that can make the difference so you have to be more attentive.
“I think they were goals that could have been avoided – they ended up being silly goals.
“To concede in the first four minutes unsettled us all, then the next goal came after 12 minutes. It’s really hard against a strong team when you start like that. I think what we have to do is work hard at dead-ball situations and on balls from the flanks.”
Midfield great and former manager Souness laid the blame squarely at the feet of the defence, with centreback Dejan Lovren coming in for particular criticism.
The Scot told TalkSport: “Lovren looked like he was in awe of Harry Kane. He tried to catch him in a cute way, trying to play offside for the first goal. Then for the second goal he has tried to nick in front of him and head the ball.
“What would Tony Adams have done?
“If I am playing the game I am saying to Lovren ‘let him know how strong you are, let him feel your power.’ Instead he is trying to be cute and clever.”
Souness believes a new centre-back with leadership qualities is badly needed and would welcome a fresh move for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk – a player Klopp has long pursued.
The Scot said: “Obviously he was in for Van Dijk and, whoever gets him, he will improve them. I like him.
“One player can make a big difference. One dominant centre-half can make a difference.
“An organiser. Someone who shoves his team-mates around at set-pieces.”