Jurgen Klopp stuck up for his defence after they faced some awkward moments in Liverpool’s first Premier League game without Virgil van Dijk.
Klopp disputed the penalty decision that gave Sheffield United an early lead following Fabinho’s challenge on Oli McBurnie and threatened a major upset at Anfield.
Though Liverpool came back to win 2-1, Fabinho – a converted midfielder – was given a tough time alongside by McBurnie, particularly in the air, adding to the debate whether the champions need to sign another centre-half in January.
‘It was clear it was a challenge to win the ball,’ said Klopp about the 13th-minute decision which was initially given outside the box by referee Mike Dean before VAR ruled it had taken place on the line of the penalty area.