Philippe Coutinho insists responsibility for poor results must be shared by whole Liverpool team

Jurgen Klopp’s men have let in 16 goals across their opening nine league fixtures, having won just three games in total

Samuel Lovett
Tuesday 24 October 2017 15:59 BST
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Philippe Coutinho said his side conceded 'silly goals' against Tottenham
Philippe Coutinho said his side conceded 'silly goals' against Tottenham (Getty)

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Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has insisted that the whole team is responsible for the high number of goals conceded this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have let in 16 goals across their opening nine league fixtures, having won just three games in total.

This is the highest amount of goals Liverpool have conceded after nine top-flight games since the 1964/65 campaign (20).

Tottenham were the latest side to expose Liverpool’s porous defence, firing four goals past the side in Sunday’s victory at Wembley.

Liverpool were also notably humiliated by Manchester City last month in a 5-0 hammering at the Etihad.

Despite the flack Liverpool’s defence has come under, Coutinho has insisted the blame must be shared.

"It's not just about the defence, it's about the whole team," he said.

"The first goal started out wide when everyone was involved in defending, not just the wingers or full-backs.

"We have to improve this as quickly as possible in order to win games.

"In more difficult games, like the Tottenham match, that's what decides results. It's those challenges that can make the difference so you have to be more attentive.

Liverpool's defence has faced significant criticism this season
Liverpool's defence has faced significant criticism this season (Getty)

"I think they were goals that could have been avoided - they ended up being silly goals.

"To concede in the first four minutes unsettled us all, then the next goal came after 12 minutes. It's really hard against a strong team when you start like that.

"I think what we have to do is work hard at dead-ball situations and on balls from the flanks."

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