Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp calls on defence to sharpen up after three defeats in a row

German admits side have conceded too many goals of late, following defeats against Atletico, Watofrd and Chelsea

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking for his defence to sharpen up after a third loss in four games across all competitions.

Premier League leaders Liverpool suffered another loss following on from last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Watford – their first of the league campaign – when they were beaten 2-0 at Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday.

Those results followed last month's 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 and a tense 3-2 win at home against West Ham United in the league.

"Usually, you don't get a lot of chances against us, but now we have to admit that in the last three games, maybe four, we have conceded too many goals," Klopp said.

"Look, it went our way for so long because we defended outstandingly ... the boys are strong, they showed so many times a wonderful reaction and we have to show this reaction again.

“I’m not worried about momentum. You don’t get it as a present and you have always the chance to get it back. We’re not 100 miles away."

Saturday's opponents Bournemouth, meanwhile, have more pressing problems of their own.

Down in 18th place, the Cherries have lost their last five league games to Liverpool conceding 17 goals without response, and will be wary of a backlash that could hurt their hopes of escaping the drop zone.

With one hand already on the league trophy thanks to a 22-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, Liverpool will look to regain lost momentum before next week's Champions League second leg at home to Atletico.