Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits failing side is in serious trouble if they cannot improve before Manchester United derby
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JURGEN KLOPP says Liverpool have ‘real problems’ and will Kop it against Manchester United if they continue to blow up in front of goal.
The dominant Reds hit the target just twice from 17 shots against Newcastle and were held to a costly draw.
And Klopp knows his side cannot afford to be as wasteful when they host United in a fortnight otherwise they will be ten points behind their big rivals.
The grumpy German groaned: “We know we have a real problem because we have to play better next game otherwise we will not get a point.
“We were the better team, again, we created more chances, again.
"We were in very promising situations and we don’t score.
"We shot the ball over the goal even when it was empty.
"That, of course, is a problem.”
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Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum and Daniel Sturridge all missed chances before Philippe Coutinho scored a stunning strike.
But Toon levelled when Joel Matip’s recovery tackle cannoned in off Joselu’s shin.
And the Reds were unable to break down the hosts in the second half.
It means they have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions.
Klopp said: “We have our hard moment but other teams will have their hard moment.
“If we do what we are good at then we can score more goals, we will win more games, and we will close the gap.”
Klopp believes his side should have had a first-half penalty when Dejan Lovren had his shirt tugged by Ciaran Clark.
He added: “We had a clear penalty. I don’t know what he has to do — pull the shirt off him?
“But if you don’t help yourself then nobody helps you. It will be like this until we score.”
In contrast St James’ gaffer Rafa Benitez was delighted with a point against his former club.
The Spaniard said: “A point at home isn’t the best but against a team like Liverpool, you have to be happy. The lads did a great job.”
He also hailed Jonjo Shelvey whose defence-splitting ball set up the equaliser.
It was the ex-Liverpool midfielder’s first start since he was sent off for stamping on Dele Alli in the opening weekend.
Benitez added: “Jonjo has quality on the ball.
“I told him before the game, you know how to play football, you just have to work hard and keep your head focused.”
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