Jurgen Klopp Says Liverpool's Defeat To Burnley Big "Punch In The Face"

Jurgen Klopp has found Liverpool's defeat to Burnley a very hard nut to swallow and can only describe that as what seemed like a "massive punch in the face" to the defending champions. 

Reds are in the chase for the title they won for the first time in 30 years last season and are trailing the top spot by four points with Manchester United in the lead with 40 points. 

The club's game plan of Roberto Firminio and Mo Salah coming as subs for Divock Origi and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half did not pay off as the visitors were resilient and got the winning goal from penalty by Ashley Barnes. 

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Klopp admitted the loss was "a tough one, not easy to explain" and lamented the team's inability to score goals for the past four league games make him doubt their title race. 

"It was not easy to lose that game and we did it," said Klopp. "If i sit now here, losing against Burnley and didn't score for the last four games and talk about the title race, how silly that would be?"

Origi had a fabulous chance to rescue the team following a fast break late in the first half but had his shot clipped the crossbar. He yet could not convert another chance from close range in the second half.