Liverpool players were forced to sit through a defence clinic after being bullied in the box by Swansea during Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat.
Jurgen Klopp dedicated a healthy portion of his team’s Sunday debrief at Melwood to point out glaring defensive deficiencies.
The manager admitted that he is worried by his leaky defence ahead of the EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton, which they trail 1-0.
‘It was because the goals we have conceded in 2017 have been a little bit of the same story,’ Klopp said.
‘The influence of throw-ins is a little bit too big on the goals we concede.
‘It’s not that teams create a lot of chances against us.
“That’s still a good sign. OK, Manchester United had a few, but I think that’s the nature of the thing. But usually, they don’t create a lot and still score.’
Centre back Joel Matip started on the bench during the defeat by Paul Clement’s Swansea but could play against Southampton after injury and confusion over his eligibility.
Liverpool face a vital week, with three home games in three different competitions. After finding out their fate in the League Cup, they welcome Wolves to Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday before an enticing encounter with Premier League leaders Chelsea on Tuesday evening.
Klopp knows the importance of clean sheets but refused to pin blame on his back four, saying his entire side must be smarter without the ball.
‘A few weeks ago, everybody spoke about the goalkeeper,’ the German added.
‘That has absolutely no influence on the goals we’re conceding at the moment.
“We can’t say it’s only the centre half. Very often the last mistake happens in this region, but that would be too easy. So we spoke about this and a few other things.’