Klopp: We must start better

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Klopp: We must start better

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool have made things hard for themselves recently
Jurgen Klopp says his Liverpool side must ensure they eradicate their poor starts to matches if they are to climb up the Premier League table.

Liverpool host leaders Leicester at Anfield on Saturday, aiming to extend their unbeaten Boxing Day Premier League home record to nine matches (W5 D3).

Liverpool have conceded six first-half goals in their last eight league games and Klopp believes his side have been their own worst enemy in recent games.

Liverpool suffered a 3-0 defeat to Watford last weekend
"We have to avoid starts like we have had too often this season," Klopp said.

"Too often we don't get the result we want so I would like to defend a 1-0 rather than to always have to strike back at 0-1. That's the situation that has happened in the last two, three or more games. That is not a bad thing but that says nothing about the quality.

"We are making our difficulties ourselves. Because of this we need to be concentrated [against Leicester] from the first second onwards. That's for sure."

Liverpool are down to the bare bones in defence - with Martin Skrtel the latest player to be sidelined through injury - and Klopp knows his defenders will have their work cut out against Claudio Ranieri's men.

"Leicester don't need many chances to score," he said. They have had no injuries, a whole week to train. I'm not surprised [they are doing so well]. They have quality.

"They play nearly perfect counter attacking football, very quick. I have big respect for Claudio and whole squad of Leicester. Ranieri is one of the most experienced coaches in the world. There is big respect on both sides."