Back to the Liverpool Newsfeed

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tells his 'Entertainers' not to forget the art of defending after Crystal Palace thriller

Speaking on Match of the Day, Alan Shearer compared Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to the Newcastle United team of the mid-1990s christened 'The Entertainers' under Kevin Keegan.

You can certainly see how the speed, free movement and commitment to attack of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane is a modern-day echo of Shearer, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Tino Asprilla in their pomp.

But, as the history books tell us, Keegan's Newcastle never won the Premier League title. Prioritising pure entertainment, going all-out to attack, is no guarantee of success.

Sadio Mane,u00a0Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have built up a strong understanding
Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have built up a strong understanding
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp felt his intense style of play 'killed his side a little bit'
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp felt his intense style of play 'killed his side a little bit'
David Ginola was part of Keven Keegan's 'Entertainers' at Newcastle United in the mid-1990s
David Ginola was part of Keven Keegan's 'Entertainers' at Newcastle United in the mid-1990s

A gung-ho style needs a defensive counterpoint and, as Saturday's thriller at Selhurst Park demonstrated, Klopp still has work to do if his Liverpool side are to achieve the necessary control over every match they play.