Cole adds to Klopp’s Liverpool problems with damning Alexander-Arnold assessment

Three-time Premier League winner Ashley Cole says "lethargic and exposed" Trent Alexander-Arnold is becoming a concern for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Alexander-Arnold has been a shining light under Klopp and played a starring role in their Champions League and Premier League triumphs over the last two seasons.

But the Reds have endured a miserable defence to their title crown this campaign, with Klopp's out-of-sorts side seventh in the table, 22 points behind leaders Manchester City.

They fell further adrift of their rivalson Thursday night following a disappointing showing against Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel's Blues leaving Anfield with a well-deserved 1-0 win.

Their injury problems have been well documented, and while Cole is aware of the distraction it has had on the Reds' stars, the former England ace believes it is having an overwhelming impact on Alexander-Arnold.

“I think he looked lethargic, he looks tired, to be honest, Trent,” he told Sky Sports following Liverpool's defeat by Chelsea.

“It’s difficult when the partnerships keep changing.

"I just feel he’s getting exposed a little bit more in one v one situations and for me, he has to improve in those situations if he wants to be a top, top, top player in a back four.”

Meanwhile, Klopp took the blame for the lacklustre defeat, in which his side's one shot on target was not registered until the 85th minute.

Having gone almost four years unbeaten in the league at home Klopp has now lost more games at Anfield in the last four weeks than in his previous five years.

"Intense game, tight game, one decisive moment decided the game with the quality of Mason (Mount)," he said.

"Our situations we didn't use. That is pretty much the explanation for the result.

"I try to be as honest as possible, I told the boys what I saw tonight. It's not that we go for any kind of excuses in this moment.

"These games are decided in moments and to get these moments back you have to fight and sometimes at a different level. It's not about tactics. It's about being resilient and heart.

"We won't blame the circumstances. There is only one person to criticise. That is me and us. That is what I told the boys."

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