Jurgen Klopp: This is what I thought of Liverpool’s draw with Sunderland

“We started – before the goal – very well with a huge personality in Anfield”.

If Liverpool can finally get their transfer dealings right then they have an excellent chance of winning the EPL this season. Their chances of finding the net against a Sunderland side missing Pickford, which have conceded seven goals in the last two games, must be high. Defoe slotted home to cancel out Daniel Sturridge’s opener.

The Reds should consider offering Sturridge as part of the deal, and whilst West Ham would still need to replace Cresswell with another defender, their desperation for a striker who is proven at the highest level could mean that they are tempted to do business, with the England worldwide being part of the deal.

It does beg the question of whether constantly disrupting the side’s chemistry by including the striker in the starting line-up is detrimental.

He’s replaced in the side by Daniel Sturridge, with Adam Lallana dropping back from the attacking role he played against Man City into midfield.

Liverpool lost ground in the title race on Monday, as they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

It means Sadio Mane features for the final time before departing for the African Cup of Nations. Mane was always a threat even during tonight’s match and Liverpool will sorely miss the midfielder’s unpredictable, explosive nature.

Klopp has indicated that his side could not have played any better football against Sunderland after just playing on Saturday and admits that he cannot explain the kind of football they played at the Stadium of Light.

Reds legend Jamie Carragher has slammed one of Liverpool’s midfielders for a lackluster performance against Sunderland.

James Milner came off at half-time with a calf injury while Sturridge, who scored on Wearside for the fourth successive season, came off late on after taking a knock on his ankle but Klopp claims neither is serious. Defoe stepped up and made no mistake from the spot for the second time in the game to make it 2-2. Manchester City are just two points behind Liverpool and stationed at the number three spot.

“In this moment it is hard for me to accept but I have to be professional”, said Klopp, who fears Chelsea will extend their five-point advantage at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.