Barnes backs Klopp to shore up Liverpool’s defence

Joe Williams
Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool struggling for form

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool struggling for form

John Barnes reckons Liverpool can still improve on the defensive side of their game despite keeping clean sheets in their last two matches.

The second-placed Reds are six points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League standings but sit above Manchester City and Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have shown that they are more than capable of taking teams apart in the final third but there have still been questions raised over the defensive aspect of their play.

“Klopp as brought that confidence,” Barnes told Express Sport.

“However, what we need now is for them to be winning games.

“Bournemouth was a bad result after being 3-1 up.

“The big teams go for the title now and we need to do that.”

Leicester secured the title last season with a series of tight 1-0 victories but Barnes doesn’t think it would be Klopp’s style to win a title in that way.

“Leicester are very different to Liverpool,” he said.

“They defended really well (last season), as have Chelsea this season actually, and hit on the break.

“Chelsea are good to watch and they defend as well.

“Liverpool can’t play how Leicester played, with 30 per cent possession – that’s not their game.

“But I still believe they can play defensively better, because it’s disappointing to be 3-1 up and to lose it like that.

“Leicester were winning games 1-0 last season and Liverpool showed against Everton that they can do that.”