Klopp says Thiago has been 'exposed' and it will 'take time' for him to perform

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has offered an explanation for Thiago Alcantara's poor form this season, claiming it will take 'time' for him to settle at Anfield.

Thiago signed for Liverpool in the summer transfer window, joining from European champions Bayern Munich for £20million after winning 16 trophies in seven seasons.

He was expected to thrive in Klopp's midfield but has since failed to score or produce an assists in 14 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Thiago has been further criticised for his performances this season after being compared to Portugal forward Diogo Jota - who signed for Liverpool from Wolves in a £41m deal in September.

Jota slotted into Klopp's squad effortlessly, before an injury ruled him out for 10 weeks.

Klopp shared his thoughts on how the pair have settled into life at Anfield, saying it is easier for attacking players to excel in his system.

He said: 'To find the fit properly to the maximum extent takes time as well but you can throw in a striker or an offensive player [earlier] because a lot of these things are natural skills.

'If you want to involve them in all the pedals, offensively, then it takes a little bit longer.

'But as long as you accept that it will not be the case from the beginning then you can play an offensive player earlier, that is true.

'Defending is much more intense work. You have to invest more work to make a team defend.

'If you want to attack properly it takes a lot of work as well, but to attack to just dribble the ball up front, shoot and score a goal that can work of course. But it helps to have time.'

There are mitigating factors to Thiago’s underwhelming performances - those included the fact he missed pre-season, tested positive for Covid-19 and had been ruled out injured for several months following a poor tackle by Richarlison in October's Merseyside derby.

In addition, Thiago has felt 'exposed' by the lack of a holding midfielder next to him as the likes of Henderson and Fabinho are often forced to play in defence due to the centre-back injury crisis.

Nevertheless, Liverpool believe Thiago is able and willing to improve, taking the example of Ilkay Gundogan, who adjusted to Klopp's methods at Borussia Dortmund to become a key player after initially struggling.

The 39-cap Spain international has already shown signs of improvement during Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League win against RB Leipzig as he played alongside Fabinho.

Thiago will look to continue such form when Liverpool travel to Wolves on Monday before another away game against Arsenal on April 3.