Jurgen Klopp can’t see Liverpool winning the Premier League title this season after their 3-2 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka scored the winner from the penalty spot to send the Gunners returned to the top of the table, with Liverpool now trailing the leaders via 14 points.
The Reds had beforehand come from behind twice, first Darwin Nunez cancelling out Gabriel Martinelli’s first-minute opener and then substitute Roberto Firmino levelling up in the 53rd minute after Saka had made it 2-1 in first-half stoppage time
The result left Liverpool in tenth, with solely two wins from their first eight games, and Klopp claimed his facet – who took last season’s title race to the last game, only to be denied via Manchester City – are no longer contenders.
“We are not in the title race. It’s naive to sit here and suppose that we are almost there,” the German manager said.
“We have issues at the moment but, of course, (they are) the team in form, the leader of the table, but (we had) large problems today.
“I suppose even in a truly bad situation for us, with early changes and things like this, there are actual problems and that is the reality for us.”
However, the Liverpool boss believes the system being played was not to blame for their current blended fortunes in the top flight.
After years of a heavy-metal 4-3-3 system, the Reds look like they reverted to a 4-4-2 this week against Rangers and at the Emirates.
“I suppose the goals we conceded have nothing to do with the system,” Klopp said.
“Do I have deeper concerns? Yes, of course I am not happy, how can I (be)?
“We are in a hard moment and we want to get through this together. That’s what we are working on.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated his aspect would enjoy their current position after victory noticed them overtake City and reclaim top spot in the table.
“At the moment, enjoy where we are, and play with the courage and the belief that we played with in the second half and go step via step,” he said.
“Just thank you so a great deal to the boys and our supporters for experiencing an afternoon like this. It’s what our profession is about, to stay days like this and I actually loved it – especially the way we won.”
On the atmosphere in north London, Arteta added: “I’ve never seen it like this.
“You can’t imagine how much it helps the players and how lots it gives them. One of the nicest things we’ve done since we are together here is to unite everybody and make them sense like you are going to experience something together.”
