Klopp: Chelsea, Spurs ‘had ten men behind the ball’

Matt Stead

Jurgen Klopp has accused Chelsea and Tottenham of playing with “ten men behind the ball”.

Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-1 earlier this month, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham before the international break.

The Reds have started the season in impressive fashion, winning three games, drawing one and losing one, while they have also progressed in the EFL Cup. Daniel Storey says they are improving both home and away.

Only Manchester City (15) and Arsenal (12) have scored more league goals than Klopp’s side (11), while only three clubs have recorded more shots per game (17). Funnily enough, Chelsea (18.2) and Tottenham (19) are included in that trio.

Many expect Saturday’s opponents Hull City to play defensively, but the German has insinuated that his side should be used to such an approach.

“They want our points. That makes me angry actually,” Klopp joked.

“We have to deal with bus parking, I’m not sure Hull will do this. I didn’t see a lot of space against Chelsea actually, also Tottenham, ten men behind the ball.

“We have to find solutions. I’m not angry or happy about my English. I have to find the right words for this. We can all improve.

“It’s about expectations. If you create a chance against Chelsea, it’s positive, if you miss it, it’s still positive.

“I don’t want to say about Hull, but against Burnley, if you miss a chance, it’s negative. You have to learn.

“We need the atmosphere [to help us]. Why should it be easier? If we can beat teams that people think are stronger than us, why should we be surprised when teams weaker than us beat us?

“It’s not about the attitude of the players, I can say that. Let’s try to create an atmosphere when everybody is on their performance.”