Manager Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool struggles against Wolves after draw: ‘We had problems’

Jurgen Klopp admitted that his side struggled with “problems” against Wolves during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw in the FA Cup on Saturday night.

Klopp’s men had lost 3-1 to Brentford on Monday in the Premier League as they continued to struggle after the restart of the domestic season following the 2023 Qatar World Cup.

The German was able to call upon new signing Cody Gakpo for the tie, but despite scoring twice through Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah, there were goals conceded from Goncalo Guedes and Hwang Hee-chan, and Liverpool almost lost when Toti Gomes scored only to have his effort ruled out – a decision which saw Ruben Neves and Julen Lopetegui question the decision in the referee’s office post-match for an extended period.

Liverpool are seven points off the top four after their indifferent start to the league, and will now have to play another game in their third round replay against Wolves after the draw. Pressure is mounting on Klopp to recruit a midfielder ahead of the second half of the season.

Speaking to ITV after the game, Klopp rued the goals conceded by his team and praised their ability to attack effectively.

He said: “I think it was a good dominant start with really good football moments and then we concede. The goal should not happen. We came back with a fantastic equaliser, everything is clear.

“Then again it is a dominant performance until they get a little bit of foot in the game and we don’t put in enough challenges. It is then really difficult and they caused us problems. We scored a second goal, fine, but we had problems.”

Klopp then discussed the Toti controversy, saying : “I saw one picture where he could be offside but I think it is because they only have one camera angle. If it was onside it is unlucky for them if it was offside it is the right decision.”

Liverpool will play Wolves again in a week and a half, with their next match a trip to Brighton on Saturday January 14.