Jürgen Klopp organised a player summit following Liverpool’s title setback against Swansea in an attempt to galvanise the club ahead of a defining week.

Post-match debriefs are common at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground, but the review of the weekend defeat had a more calculated and serious tone.

Klopp usually addresses his players for five minutes in the dressing room before a recovery session a day after a match. He spoke to his squad for over half an hour in the club’s media room on Sunday, with a formal presentation showing the deficiencies and qualities of his team over recent weeks. He demanded improvement but also reminded his players how well they have performed to ensure the target that was set last summer is still attainable.

It was the first time this season the German coach felt compelled to meet with his players in this way, and a direct response to the negativity he was sensing around the club even before the loss to the Welsh side.

As Klopp spoke to his players, the hierarchy moved to ensure there is at least one positive development this week as they opened talks with Philippe Coutinho about extending his contract. The Brazilian has three years to run on his current deal.