Familiar flaws haunt Liverpool

It’s hard to know which subject Jurgen Klopp found more wearing to discuss; the future of Philippe Coutinho or the reprise of his Liverpool side’s familiar defensive failings.

Both matters will have a significant impact on the club’s prospects this season but there is no doubt the more pressing issue confronting the manager is the need to resolve his side’s weaknesses at the back ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Hoffenheim.

The failure to overcome the German club in the Champions League qualifying play-off would undo much of the good work of last season in finishing in the top four, leaving the group stage of European football’s premier competition tantalisingly out of reach.