reds held Jurgen Klopp says draw at Newcastle 'doesn't mean anything' to title race

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was in philosophical mood as his side drew 0-0 at Newcastle, as he offered up a colourful post-match interview to mark his side's final game of 2020.

The champions will head into the New Year as Premier League leaders, but they have dropped points in their last two matches and failed to make the most of their chances once again at St James' Park.

Manchester United will be able to draw level with Liverpool at the top of the table if they win their game in hand, but Klopp is not concerned about their position after a disappointing two games over the Christmas period.

"The last thing I’m thinking about is our position in the table at the moment," stated Klopp, who side have no won just two of their eight games way from home in the Premier League this season.

"It's nice (to be top) but it doesn’t mean anything. We drew tonight and we are still top of the table so that just shows how difficult the season is for everybody. When life gives you lemons make lemonade.

"We have to keep going, next game, Southampton, Aston Villa, Man United and that’s good we know about our responsibility. We didn’t get the result we wanted but it’s not the worst thing in the world there are worse things happening.

"We found a lot of solutions today, created chances but didn’t use them thats why it’s 0-0. But I liked the game – this is a draw which we are not happy with the result but I’m fine with the performance because that’s the way we have to play and protect we did all that but it’s still disappointing. It is how it is."

Mohamed Salah endured a miserable evening on Tyneside as battling Newcastle fought their way to a goalless draw, with Egypt international missed the target either side of half-time with just keeper Karl Darlow to beat, while strike-partner Roberto Firmino, who saw two headers superbly saved, was similarly profligate at St James’ Park.

Three days after lowly West Brom struck late to snatch a point at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s men – who have now won only two of their eight league away games this season – were frustrated once again, although it took a late goal-line clearance from Fabian Schar and Darlow’s brilliance to keep them at bay.

"We had all these moments – it’s normal," added Klopp. "We had to keep going and they defended with all they had but then we were left with just one player up front. Played super football but we have to respect the result and take what was right and what was wrong.

"I don't think much was wrong except the finishing and we have to just keep going and if we can finish those things then we will win football games."

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce was satisfied with his side's efforts, as they kept one of the most potent attacking lines in European football at bay.

"We rode our luck at times and our keeper has made a few saves which you have to when you're playing against one of the best teams in the country and in Europe," he stated.

"Their keeper made a couple of great saves as well so I couldn't fault them to a man.

"We did cause a few problems for ourselves we need to improve on the ball especially late on we gave it away cheaply and caused ourselves a few problems with that but that's probably the tiredness and fatigue. They've put in a hell of a shift not just tonight but the other day against Man City as well."

Klopp also confirmed he expects central defender Joel Matip to return to action in just three weeks after his latest injury, but Liverpool may still be tempted to make a push to sign a central defender in next month's transfer window after midfielder Fabinho filled in at the back against Newcastle.

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