EPL: Jurgen Klopp defends Liverpool after Bournemouth blitz

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to defend Liverpool’s character after a stunning 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth.

Bournemouth players celebrate Steve Cook’s goal against Liverpool at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to defend Liverpool’s character and title credentials after their incredible meltdown in a stunning 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth.

Liverpool’s shock loss yesterday (AEDT) came at a time when they looked set to move to within a point of leaders Chelsea and go into the Christmas period as one of the favourites to finish as champions for the first time since 1990.

However, the nervous manner of the team’s late collapse against Bournemouth has opened up a debate over whether Klopp’s squad is ready for such pressure.

But Klopp sees no reason for panic despite his team conceding three goals in the last 14 minutes to turn a 3-1 lead into a 4-3 loss.

“We have no attitude or character problem,” Klopp said. “No one is born a winner. Not in the first two or three months. You have to learn it.

“It doesn’t feel too good right now but sometimes we need it. So I’m not angry. These things happen and you cannot be champions in December.

“I would say we were 100 per cent before now. Now we are 99 per cent. But it’s quite simple to go back to 100 per cent.

“Nothing happened today apart from losing three points. Everything else is OK.”

Klopp said he wasn’t happy with certain aspects of Liverpool’s performance, accusing his team of “opening the door” in the latter stages.

But Klopp refused to place any blame at the door of goalkeeper Loris Karius, who spilled Steve Cook’s stoppage-time shot to gift Nathan Ake the winner.

“No, I have no concern,” Klopp said.

“It says nothing about him as a goalkeeper. It happens. We go on.”

Bournemouth’s comeback was inspired by a matchwinning performance from 22-year-old substitute Ryan Fraser, who came on because of an injury to teammate Junior Stanislas in the second half with his team trailing 2-0.

The Scottish winger won a penalty with his first touch, scored Bournemouth’s second at 3-1 and set up his team’s equaliser as the game was turned on its head.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, whose team was playing in England’s fourth tier as recently as six years ago, said: “I don’t think I’ll ever forget this game. It was a right contrast of emotions.

“At halftime we were in real trouble and Liverpool were excellent and that makes the comeback even more impressive.”

After yesterday’s other match, Jose Mourinho claimed he was being judged unfairly by critics after Manchester United conceded a late penalty in a damaging 1-1 draw at Everton.

Mourinho’s team has won just twice in the league since the end of August, a run which has featured numerous draws and has derailed United’s hopes of winning a title in their manager’s debut season at Old Trafford.

However, Mourinho insists his side is playing well and that he is being held to a double standard.

“You have to make a decision because when my teams are playing pragmatic football and winning matches and winning titles, you say it is not right and nice,” Mourinho said.

“When my teams play very, very well, there is a huge change in relation to the past two or three years. Now you say what matters is to get result, no matter what.

“At the moment teams are getting results, defending with 11 players, keeping the ball and playing on the counter-attack. You have to make a decision.”

Trump and Cheika.

AFP