LONDON: Jurgen Klopp has denied speculation that he is set to quit as Liverpool manager after Liverpool’s mid-season slump, which has seen win only three times in 12 matches since thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0 on December 19.

On Saturday when a late collapse saw them surrender a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 at Leicester.

Klopp admitted afterwards that his side’s title defence is over, as they now sit 13 points behind leaders Manchester City having played a game more.

However he was more positive ahead of the Champions League opener against RB Leipzig, saying: “We are absolutely OK and ready to go. The banner [of support erected by fans at Anfield] is nice, I don’t feel that I need special support but it is very nice.

“I don’t need a break. The last thing I want to do is to talk about private things. Yes we have had a tough time but we always deal with this as a family 100pc.

“I am 53, I’ve worked as a coach for 30 years and I can split off things. I don’t carry things around.

“Of course we are influenced by things, but no-one has to worry about me. The beard gets more and more grey, I don’t sleep a lot, but I‘m full of energy. Now we are in this situation I see it as a challenge.”

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