John Barnes makes controversial point about Klopp’s Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp TEAMtalk

Former Reds winger John Barnes believes Liverpool were a better side under Jurgen Klopp two years ago.

Klopp’s charges had a 100% record before they were humbled 7-2 by Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.

The champions were 4-1 down at half-time, and things got worse as they conceded another three in the second half against a ruthless Villa side, who have won all three of their games.

Barnes said by playing a high line they were giving away more chances, but also countered that by saying Klopp’s XI now were also scoring more goals.

The champions have netted 11 goals from four Premier League games, but they have also conceded 11 and looked vulnerable in defence. “It is simply the way they play now, when you play a high line, every now and then an opposition player gets through and can score goals. It doesn’t happen very often, but when they win the ball, they can go on to score goals, you can’t you have it perfect in every way.

“Roy Keane wasn’t necessarily that critical last week, he praised us (Liverpool) for the way they played, and they were a little bit sloppy at times. Liverpool are a well-balanced side between defence and attack, and now play a high line. They’re giving away more chances but are scoring more goals.

“So, it’s certainly entertaining to watch from a fan’s perspective. Two years ago, Liverpool were more consistent when they won the Champions League Final and lost one game, I thought they played better then, than they did last season and now.

“Last year when they won the league matches, Man City obviously weren’t as good, but I believe that they (Liverpool) played better two years ago.

Pressure off

“They have been consistent, for the last two years, you can nitpick to say whether last year was better than the year before, but they have been so consistent in the last 48 months and that’s reflected in the results on the pitch. The team have only lost a few games in two years which is a phenomenal achievement.”

Barnes, 56, believes playing in empty stadia may well be helping some teams by easing the pressure on them.

“Teams are being more attacking in their style of play but at the same time maybe certain teams don’t feel that much pressure when they concede when playing in an empty stadium,” added Barnes.

“I suppose if you are normally playing in front of 40,000 people each week and you are the underdog, you really don’t want to lose. So yes, I do think that with no crowds we are seeing more entertaining games, it’s an interesting dynamic but makes for a great spectacle.”

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