Klopp outlines Liverpool weaknesses ahead of Stoke clash

The Reds head to the Britannia Stadium, where they have won just three times in nine visits, for their Capital One Cup semi-final first leg looking to rectify the two issues which are killing their consistency.

Just 22 goals in 20 league matches is the worst return in their history and coupled with a propensity to be dominated in the air at set-pieces it makes for a frustrating time for Klopp, who saw his side lose 2-0 at West Ham on Saturday with both goals coming from far-post crosses.

"We have an issue with crosses, before we had an issue with set-plays. It is always a ball in the air," he said.

"As long as the ball is on the ground most of the time we handle it. When the ball is in the air we have some problems with the goals we conceded. We know this, we have not solved this.

"We were really serious in analysing. Clear in our words. No excuses. We have to change for sure.

"Talking is easy, changing is more difficult but nevertheless we have to do it."

Klopp is two matches away from Wembley, where he last visited as Borussia Dortmund manager when they lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League final, and has impressed on his players the significance of seeing things through to the end.

"It is always important because if you have the chance and you don't try to go for it then it is a waste of time," he said.

"It is not our target to be part of the final, there is only one reason in tournaments like this and it is to win it.

"How important it can be for our development is a question we can only answer in a few weeks or months."

Source: PA