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Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp responds to Virgil van Dijk criticism - this is what he said
LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp has leapt to the defence of Virgil van Dijk after his star defender came in for criticism.
Liverpool: Klopp reflects on Red Star Belgrades loss
Van Dijk was arguably at fault for the opening goal in Tuesday’s shock 2-0 defeat to Red Star Belgrade and his recent performances were questioned by club legend Michael Owen.
However, Klopp insists the £75million man’s recent dip in form is only temporary.
“I am really happy with him,” he said.
“Virg knows that with his skills and quality he has a big responsibility, you have to be spot on every day.
“That is what everyone expects. He has qualities like Joe (Gomez) has, like Dejan (Lovren) has, like Joel (Matip) has, so that is really good for us."
Klopp’s side are preparing to face struggling Fulham at home in the Premier League on Sunday, with Van Dijk certain to keep his place at the heart of defence.
If they win and Chelsea fail to beat Everton at home, Klopp’s side will go top temporarily as their game kicks off (14:15) before Manchester City host Manchester United (16:30).
They are expected to win comfortably against a Fulham side that is rooted to the bottom of the league.
However, Liverpool have struggled for goals of late, scoring more than one goal in only one of their last five games.
With 21 goals in 11 games in the current campaign, only Tottenham have fewer (19) of teams currently in the top five.
But they remain in the title mix nonetheless, and Klopp thinks his side are being unfairly judged because City - who have 33 goals already in 2018-19 -have been so free-scoring.
“You see it this week. We struggle in Belgrade and they (City) win 6-0 (vs Shakhtar Donetsk)," Klopp added.
“It’s a big gap. It feels a bit like that this season can only be a success if we become champion, in a year when our competitors are the champion of last year and the champion of two years ago.
“And a refreshed Arsenal and a more experienced Tottenham, and Man United turning around.
“That’s a really tough job. We go for everything. No problem with that, but we have to build on our situation to get better, more confidence.
“Tuesday was our massive knock, and now we have to react in the right way, not only on Sunday but in general.”