Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s demeanor and substitutions against Everton show he is panicking as Liverpool stutter in the title race, says Paul Merson.
Klopp was in a prickly mood with a journalist in his post-match press conference after his tactics were questioned in Liverpool’s 0-0 Premier League draw with Everton on Super Sunday.
That result handed the edge to Manchester City in the title race as Liverpool have drawn four of their last six games, including two goalless draws at Manchester United and at Goodison Park.
Merson noted Klopp’s panicky demeanor and said he was surprised by the changes the Reds boss made towards the end of the Everton game.
“Jurgen Klopp is panicking,” said Merson on The Debate.
“Getting uptight in his press conference about Manchester City… don’t worry about Man City, just concentrate on what you’re doing.
“Panic is setting in, as shown by his substitutions, bringing on Adam Lallana for Sadio Mane – you’ve got to win that game.
“Everton were never going to win the game – they had settled for a point. James Milner coming on… I like him, but you’ve got to win the game.
“You’ve got Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri on the bench. I’ve been a manager myself and sometimes you sit there after a game and think ‘I shouldn’t have done that’.”
Mohamed Salah is in the spotlight again after he drew another blank. The Egyptian has only scored once in his last six appearances.
Merson is worried about not only Salah’s form, but the confidence and composure of Liverpool’s attacking trio.
“They looked nervous,” he added.
“When they broke, everyone is starting to think when they receive the ball. Before, at the start of the season, they were breaking through and it was all off the cuff.
“They have got to get back to playing with freedom and with smiles on their faces. They don’t have to be nervous – they won’t let in a lot of goals as they have an unbelievable defence.
Tag a Liverpool fan pic.twitter.com/IyAjI3A1LY
— Festus Astofel (@FAstofel) March 4, 2019
“Manchester City won’t win all nine games – I’ll be shocked if they won all nine.”
Visual representation of Liverpool’s title charge since going 9 points clear at the top:
— UTDST. (@utdstreet) March 4, 2019
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