Klopp unperturbed with 2nd place: 'Who wants to be on top in October?'
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp isn't bothered by the fact that his team wasn't able to assume top spot in the Premier League on Saturday, suggesting, correctly, that there is no prize for sitting atop the pile at this point in the season.
The Reds could have moved into first by defeating West Brom by two or more goals, but a 2-1 triumph left Klopp's men second to Arsenal on goal difference; each side has 20 points, and will be watching intently on Sunday as Manchester City looks to regain its spot at the summit with a win over Southampton.
Liverpool looked set to leapfrog the Gunners after Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho scored in the opening half at Anfield, and while a late Gareth McAuley tally couldn't overturn the result, it did ensure the Merseyside club could rise no higher than second on the day.
Klopp's not overly concerned, though.
"Who wants to be on top in October?" the German gaffer joked after the match, as quoted by ESPN FC.
One area of real concern for Klopp would seem to be his side's inability to keep the ball out of its own net; Liverpool is yet to record a clean-sheet victory in the Premier League this season.
Again, the affable manager doesn't seem to be sweating it.
"Obviously, not having a clean sheet is part of our game, I don't know," Klopp said. "It's not a big problem. I think defending, first of all, is not to let them create a lot of chances.
"I cannot remember a lot chances in the last few games - all of them we were under pressure or lucky cross, set pieces or something.
"We are improving in this, so the goal we conceded was kind of luck. There was seven players in the box and the ball was brilliant and then fighting for the ball and falling down.
"They were quick in mind and scored the goal. They were one time quicker in mind in the game than we were and they scored a goal - that's how football is.
He added: "And if they scored a second one, I have to accept it but that wouldn't have changed my opinion about the game.
"It was a real challenge for my team and they did brilliantly."