Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool must improve their performances after a narrow 2-1 win against Leicester City on Friday night.
The Reds fell behind inside the first five minutes at Anfield when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall converted after going clean through against Alisson Becker.
Two own goals from Leicester defender Wout Faes helped Liverpool respond before the break, however, and the hosts did enough in the second period to emerge from a tight game with all three points.
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It means Liverpool go within two of fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for the Champions League spots, but Klopp insists his team must step up their displays in the New Year, which starts at Brentford on January 2.
“The result is very pleasing obviously, but we all saw the game and it wasn’t our best performance and we know that," Klopp said. “At the start, conceding from a goal kick, I can’t remember a lot of goals where we have done that. We just weren’t there at the moment and came three times too late and this time Alisson couldn’t save us.
“One-nil down against a counter-attacking side with a clear idea, it is absolutely the opposite of what you want to have. On top of that we played pretty much into Leicester’s hands. We lost the ball at the wrong moment when we were too open and for a long time couldn’t get a foot in the game.
“Then we had our football moments and we forced the mistake for the disallowed goal. Then the two own goals happened, especially the second goal brilliantly done. Unlucky that it hits the post and even more unlucky for Leicester that it’s an own goal.
“We knew at half-time we had to improve and we did. We were higher, more aggressive in challenges and more connected, but Leicester still had their moments. They played a really good game, credit to Leicester. It’s no coincidence they have quite a decent away record, you can see why.
“But we had massive chances in the second half where we could have finished the game off and didn’t use them. To win 2-1 against a good opponent, you have to fight through and that’s what we did and I’m pleased with that. But of course we can play better."
On Faes, whose almost comical own goals sealed the points for Liverpool, Klopp added: “Yes, I had that once in my career a player who scored two own goals. I really feel for him. Of course I feel sympathy, but whatever I say now will not change it. But the boy will get through it and he will be fine."
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