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Liverpool: 5 Reasons why Jurgen Klopp’s men are struggling in 2017

By Craig Pearson

DERBY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Jurgen Klopp manager / head coach of Liverpool before the EFL Cup Third Round match between Derby County and Liverpool at iPro Stadium on September 20, 2016 in Derby, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
DERBY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Jurgen Klopp manager / head coach of Liverpool before the EFL Cup Third Round match between Derby County and Liverpool at iPro Stadium on September 20, 2016 in Derby, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images) /

3. Poor defense

It’s been no secret that Liverpool’s defense has been poor this season. Even when things were going good people would bring up the defense as a point of concern. That was when the back line was getting protection too.

Now that protection is not there, things aren’t getting any better. Liverpool have drawn two and lost one of their last three Premier League games. During those three games, the Reds have conceded six goals.

The only time Liverpool have kept a clean sheet during their last eight games in all competitions has been in two cup ties against Plymouth Argyle. Six other games have failed to bring a clean sheet. Liverpool’s last was in December.

It doesn’t help when you don’t know who your number one goalkeeper is. Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet have seemingly rotated in goal, with neither particularly impressing. The Liverpool defense has been a long-standing issue all season.

Suddenly now, it’s just not possible to get away with it without the attack firing on all cylinders to cancel it out. It’s clearly an area Klopp needs to attend to in the summer. But looking at the Reds right now, maybe something should have been done in January?

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