Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool’s defensive issues against Chelsea were ‘nothing to do with characteristics’ of his midfield.
Liverpool opened the Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a fixture which saw the Reds start brightly before conceding several chances as the home side grew in confidence.
Alisson made strong saves to deny Nicolas Jackson and Ben Chilwell as Chelsea pushed for a winner, after Axel Disasi’s goal had cancelled out Luis Diaz’s opener for Liverpool.
Klopp was pleased with the start from his side but believes Liverpool ‘helped’ Chelsea get back into the game, while the German failed to blame the make up of his midfield for the Reds defensive issues.
Liverpool started with Alexis Mac Allister as the deepest of an attacking midfield three alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, with the club continuing to search for a defensive midfielder after a record bid for Moises Caicedo this week.
“The start was pretty convincing, we scored two wonderful goals, one was disallowed for an offside,” he told Sky Sports.
“We opened up the door for Chelsea, we lost the ball in moments where it was difficult to prepare for it. It gave the game a different direction so we were not in control of the game.
“The second half was more open and more chances for Chelsea but we showed up. It was really intense for both teams and it’s a point at Chelsea.
“From my point of view it looked like we helped Chelsea get back in the game.
“Our defensive problems today had nothing to do with characteristics of the midfielders, they are a bit more offensive but all of these boys can do what we want them to do.
“We were too deep as a formation and gave the half spaces away. It’s really ok, today didn’t decide where our season will go. let’s be positive, this team deserves so much faith and I am really looking forward to the season.”
