Georginio Wijnaldum praises Jurgen Klopp for giving him more licence to attack

After Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea last night, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp said exactly what we all think about Diego Costa. “No one has said anything to me”.

Mane’s absence on global duty has coincided with a dramatic slump in Liverpool’s form that has produced just one win in seven matches (against fourth-tier Plymouth in the FA Cup) and a mere seven goals since he last appeared for the Reds in a 2-2 draw against Sunderland on January 2.

When Mignolet saved the penalty, Klopp squared up to the fourth official, Neil Swarbrick, but insisted the confrontation was not as ugly as it appeared on camera.

Conte praised David Luiz’s opener, with Liverpool caught cold as Willian stood poised over the ball, but the former Juventus boss hopes the Brazil defender does not return to his erratic former self having produced a highlight reel moment.

Arsenal are nine points behind Chelsea, who have 56, as are Tottenham Hotspur who moved above their north London rivals on goal difference after a lacklustre 0-0 draw at basement club Sunderland. “You have to say we have to be prepared but he (Mignolet) was surprised”, Klopp said.

“Our market is finished – not buying or selling and I am pleased because now we have a squad and it is important to be focused and concentrated for the second part of the season because this is the part to win the title or a place in the Champions League”.

“A lot of people are thinking at the moment it is hard for Liverpool – and it is hard – but not impossible”, he said. I said: “‘Sorry, I was a bit excited.’ He said: “‘No problem, I like your passion'”.

The Dutchman has credited Klopp for this, claiming the manager told him to play a more attack-minded midfield role.

Costa’s miss did little to dampen Conte’s mood. “But it doesn’t make it better”.

The goal in the 24th minute put all initial signs of a Liverpool recovery to rest as a laboured, listless-looking Reds side went into half time staring at a fourth consecutive home defeat for the first time since 1923.

“I think we showed that we are a very good side and set this as a benchmark”. “If you compare our position now compared with this point last season, but for sure, we have room to improve”.

Swansea earned a vital 2-1 win over Southampton thanks to a 70th minute victor from star midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, while fellow strugglers Crystal Palace took all three points with a 2-0 win away to Bournemouth. “This is a very important game”. We have big challenges coming up but if we play like we did today then definitely pick up more points and we would like to do that.