Jurgen Klopp slams criticism of Liverpool star Thiago with X-rated response

Jurgen Klopp has slammed critics of Thiago, claiming suggestions Liverpool play better without the midfielder are "b*******".

Despite being one of the key players in helping Bayern to a prestigious treble last season, Thiago is yet to produce his best form in a Liverpool shirt since his summer switch.

Several former Liverpool players have stated Thiago's tendency to slow the game down when in possession has been the pivotal factor.

The likes of Dietmar Hamann and John Barnes have even gone as far to say Liverpool are worse off as a whole because of Thiago's involvement as they are not as quick or decisive on the counter attack.

But Klopp defended the 29-year-old when speaking to Sky Sports on Saturday, blasting: "It's just a public perception. 'Oh, Thiago is in and we don't perform well anymore.'

"These kind of things are just b*******, let me say it like that!"

Thiago's start to life at Anfield was hampered by an injury sustained in only his second appearance for the club in the Merseyside Derby in October.

He was then sidelined for weeks before returning to fitness as Liverpool began their dismal run of form, which saw them go from league leaders to dropping out of the title race.

Thiago was somewhat unfairly made out to be one of the scapegoats of Liverpool's rough patch, but his manager is adamant the best is still yet to come.

"They are just not right,” Klopp continue. “Everybody needs time to adapt.

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It's been an extremely interesting start to the season for Jurgen Klopp's men.

They got their title defence off to a shaky start as they edged out a seven-goal thriller against Leeds, before going on to conceded seven in a hammering by Aston Villa.

Virgil van Dijk's season was ended by injury in the 2-2 draw at Everton, leaving the title favourites looking far less secure at the back – especially with Alisson's injury worries too.

But there's no slowing down in what is going to be a busy campaign – with Klopp ensuring his men continue at full pace as they bid for more title glory.

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"Bayern played a different style, in a different league, and were much more dominant in the Bundesliga than any team can be in the Premier League.

"So, that’s all different. But thank God, we are all smart enough to judge the situation correctly here.

"Thiago can play better football, yes, of course, but we all can play better football. No doubt about it."

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has weighed in on Thiago's contribution as well this week, labelling the Spaniard a "liability" defensively, but conceding his performances had not been all bad.

What have you made of Thiago's performances? Have your say below.

And Klopp gave reasons for Thiago's indifferent form.

“He came in late, which is just the nature of some transfers, then he got Covid, got injured, and still had to adapt to a new team – and a team which was not exactly flying with no problems at all," the Liverpool boss said.

“We’ve had to rebuild the team pretty much every three days because of changing the last line and changing a lot of things, so that’s just really unlucky for Thiago.

"But he has played some exceptional games and had some exceptional moments on the pitch, and he is so respected in the squad."

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