'We're building, so there'll always be knocks on the way'
Jürgen Klopp described Liverpool's error in not securing victory over Tottenham Hotspur as a 'knock' – but one that the manager considers normal in the development of his side.
The Reds were in front against the league’s second-placed team courtesy of Philippe Coutinho’s 10th strike of the season, a calm side-footer into the bottom right corner at the Kop end.
However, the advantage lasted only 12 minutes at Anfield before Harry Kane seized on half a yard of space to spin and lash a finish into the net from the left edge of the penalty area.
Coutinho went close to a second as Klopp’s men pushed for a decisive goal and, though the game ended 1-1, the boss’ belief that the gap between the clubs in the table is misleading was bolstered.
He told Liverpoolfc.com after the final whistle: “That’s what we knew. On a special day, we are really strong.
“We are the last who have to learn to believe, because the crowd is behind us and everybody enjoys the game. It’s not allowed to take breaks in the game and obviously we had them – the goal we conceded is a good example.
“But it’s not the first time in my life that I have to build up something and it’s always like this. On this way you always get knocks, otherwise it would not be a way, it’s only an explosion. And that’s not football.
“[There were] a lot of good things and a few not-so-good things. A draw is a point more than before; it’s not what we wanted but it’s what we got. We have to carry on.”