Robertson makes triple denial over reason for Liverpool’s falterings

Andrew Robertson has insisted that nerves were not the reason for Liverpool dropping points in recent matches.

Jurgen Klopp’s men could have marched seven points clear with a win over Leicester at the weekend, but drew 1-1, and after watching Man City defeat Arsenal on Sunday, the Reds could only manage a draw with West Ham to leave them three points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side, but with a worse goal difference.

But Scotland defender Robertson says “nerves” are not a factor and made reference to that on three occasions in an interview with the Liverpool Echo, and instead pointed to the club’s injury list.

Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all currently sidelined at Anfield through injury – meaning that James Milner was forced to play right-back at the London Stadium.

“I wouldn’t say nerves are showing,” said Robertson. “Did anyone say that when City dropped points against (Crystal) Palace and Leicester (in December)? I don’t think they did. It’s no different for us – people talk about pressure because we’ve not been in this position, but it’s February.

“Everyone needs to relax and try and enjoy the run-in – many other clubs want to be in the position we’re in just now. Nerves aren’t showing in the changing room. It’s been two poor results and poor performances, it happens during a long season. We need to get back to playing the better football we can, but it’s nothing to do with nerves.

“We’re having a wee blip and we need to just try and get over the line in a couple of games. The run-in will be exciting, but it’s time to try and enjoy it.

“We’d prefer to have a fully-fit squad. City dropped points when they had (Kevin) De Bruyne and Fernandinho missing, then they all came back and they’re in a good moment just now.

“We’ve got quite a few injuries and we need to try and get the boys back fit, but we’ve recruited and have a big enough squad that we should be able to deal with it.”

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