Thiago left ‘exposed’ by Jurgen Klopp’s demands as details over Liverpool struggle emerge
Liverpool: Klopp hits back at Thiago's critics
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Thiago Alcantara has not yet hit the heights expected of him at Liverpool this season, having made the move to Anfield from Bayern Munich over the summer. The midfielder impressed on debut against Chelsea after coming on at half-time but he then tested positive for coronavirus and missed the Reds’ next four games in all competitions.
He returned to play in the Merseyside derby against Everton but a poor challenge from Richarlison left him sidelined with a knee injury.
Thiago missed Liverpool’s next ten Premier League games and since he has been back in action, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been on a poor run of form.
They have won just three of their last 13 league games and he is reportedly still adapting to the demands of Klopp’s style.
A source close to the Liverpoo squad told the Athletic: “It is just adaptation.
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“With this guy, it is not a problem of attitude, professionalism or confidence.
‘And tell me someone who has performed well for Liverpool in recent months?
“It is not easy to just walk in and blitz it.”
Another source told the publication that Thiago has ‘felt exposed’ because he has not had a holding midfielder alongside him, with Fabinho forced to deputise in defence because of the injuries to Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
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In fact, when Fabinho returned to his regular defensive midfield role against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, Thiago put in a much improved performance.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Thiago explained that playing alongisde Fabinho gives him more freedom, saying: “He is a great player.
“He gives us a lot of confidence in our backs, and it’s awesome to play alongside him.
“It frees me up a bit, I can move some lines forward and with that I can be more confident and player [nearer] with the strikers.
“I enjoy playing a bit more advanced because you’re always near the goal and you can create chances and score. It’s a nice position.”
Thiago has also admitted he is “not happy” with his performances so far, telling TNT Sports Brasil: “I don’t read a word about what people talk about me.
“I know that I receive some criticism about my performances, but I’m not happy with my performance since I came here.
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