Philippe Coutinho says whole Liverpool team are to blame for poor defending

By Matthew Treadwell

Image: Philippe Coutinho blames Liverpool's poor defending on the team as a whole

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho believes the whole team is to blame for the high number of goals they have conceded this season.

Jurgen Klopp's side have let in 16 goals in their opening nine Premier League matches, with all but one of those coming away from Anfield.

Tottenham's attack was the latest to take advantage of their leaky defence as they won 4-1 at Wembley on Sunday, with the 5-0 defeat at Manchester City and the 3-3 draw with Watford on the opening day of the season also adversely affecting their goal-difference.

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But Brazil international Coutinho says the Reds must take collective responsibility for their defensive shortcomings as they look to cut out mistakes that are costing them dear.

"It's not just about the defence, it's about the whole team," he said.

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"The first goal started out wide when everyone was involved in defending, not just the wingers or full-backs.

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"We have to improve this as quickly as possible in order to win games.

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"In more difficult games, like the Tottenham match, that's what decides results. It's those challenges that can make the difference so you have to be more attentive.

"I think they were goals that could have been avoided - they ended up being silly goals.

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"To concede in the first four minutes unsettled us all, then the next goal came after 12 minutes. It's really hard against a strong team when you start like that.

"I think what we have to do is work hard at dead-ball situations and on balls from the flanks."

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