Champions League: Klopp Expects Liverpool's Improvement Against Ajax

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp is expecting an improvement in the team's performance when they face in-form Ajax in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday.

The Reds lost 4-1 to Napoli in Italy the last time out, with Klopp describing the loss as the worst performance since he took over the team.

However, he is expecting a reaction after discussing it with the players.

"We had a meeting, showed them the situations, and I didn't have to say a lot, the players know.

"We brought ourselves to this situation," Klopp told reporters ahead of Tuesday's game at Anfield.

"We had obvious football problems which were from misjudgments.

"Everyone wanted to sort it by themselves, there was no structure.

"We had four or five days now of absolute truth, not to knock the players down, just to make sure where we are now.

"This is the starting point for us to sort the problems together on the pitch, no pointing at each other."

Liverpool have suffered injury problems this season, with the likes of captain Jordan Henderson, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, and Oxlade Chamberlain ruled out of action for weeks.

Andy Robertson has been ruled out until after the international break.

"The expected return date is somewhere in October," Klopp said.

"With Ox it's the same. That's why the two boys are not in the Champions League squad."

Ajax have won all their games in all competitions this season, and Klopp is confident that Liverpool can turn their season around against the Dutch Champions.

"Ajax are in the Champions League, and they belong there. Are they the strongest team in the competition?

"I haven't seen the rest yet," Klopp said.

"We have to show a reaction, but that doesn't guarantee a result against Ajax.

"They've won all their games this season, and they've had a massive rebuild, but they're doing a really good job.

"We have not been consistent enough this season, and we have to show that again.

"And that always starts with defending better."

Liverpool won the last meeting between both sides in 2020, 1-0, courtesy of a goal by Curtis Jones.