Shearer lays into ‘laughable’ Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp

Matt Stead

Alan Shearer believes that Liverpool are ‘no different’ under Jurgen Klopp than they were when Brendan Rodgers was manager.

The Reds were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday, meaning they have now gone three games without a win.

They sit eighth in the Premier League table after five games, and have conceded more goals (9) than all but West Ham and Everton (both 10).

Shearer believes such defensive deficiencies mean this side bears the hallmarks of the team that almost won the Premier League under Rodgers in 2013/14.

‘Yes, he got them back into the Champions League with last season’s fourth place, which will have bought him plenty of boardroom bonus points,’ Shearer wrote for the Sun.

‘The truth, however, is that Liverpool are no different under boss Klopp than they were under Brendan Rodgers.

‘I am left wondering just what he does on the training ground when the same defensive errors are repeated week in, week out.

‘What I witnessed on Saturday in their draw at home to Burnley was laughable.

‘Much like when I analysed their 3-3 draw at Watford on the opening day and, more recently, their 5-0 defeat against Manchester City.

‘Klopp will point to the red card as a turning point in that game. But it was a forward in Sadio Mane who was sent off.

‘In that situation, you shut up shop and try to get something out of the game. Not Liverpool. They just opened up, as they did at Watford.

‘Liverpool can be thrilling to watch but it is increasingly enjoyable for rival fans, too.

‘Klopp must sort out the defending or that long-awaited title will remain a very distant dream.’