Klopp seeks Liverpool reaction even as injuries mount

Poor performance against Napoli still rankles as Ajax visit Anfield

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp during a press conference.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp during a press conference.
Image: Molly Darlington

Liverpool - Liverpool have identified their shortcomings from their Champions League loss to Napoli and must find consistency in their performances again if they are to beat Ajax Amsterdam in their second group game, manager Juergen Klopp said yesterday.

Klopp said the 4-1 loss at Napoli last week was the "worst game we played since I was here", adding that analysing the match was akin to watching a "horror film" with at least eight players playing below their level.

"We had a meeting, showed them the situations and I didn't have to say a lot, the players know. We brought ourselves to this situation," Klopp told reporters ahead of today's game at Anfield.

"We had obvious football problems which were from misjudgments. Everyone wanted to sort it by themselves, there was no structure.

"We had four or five days now of absolute truth, not to knock the players down, just to make sure where we are now. This is the starting point for us to sort the problems together on the pitch, no pointing at each other."

Liverpool, however, were dealt another injury blow with Klopp saying full back Andy Robertson is out until after the international break this month while Curtis Jones is also unavailable.

Klopp also said he does not expect Naby Keita to go on international duty while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is no closer to a return.

"The expected return date is somewhere in October," Klopp said. "With Ox it's the same. That's why the two boys are not in the Champions League squad."

Ajax have won all their league games this season to sit top of the Eredivisie standings and Klopp praised Alfred Schreuder's side for coping well despite losing several key players from last season in the transfer window.

"Ajax are in the Champions League and they belong there. Are they the strongest team in the competition? I haven't seen the rest yet," Klopp said.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.