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Jurgen Klopp believes regularly having to chop and change his centre-backs is to blame for Liverpool’s poor defensive record.

The Reds have conceded 33 goals in 26 Premier League matches so far this season with Monday night’s 3-1 defeat to Leicester City underlining those frailties.

Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are Klopp’s first choice combination but they have started just 12 games together all season due to injuries. However, they are set to be reunited for Saturday’s Anfield clash with Arsenal after Lovren returning to full training this week.

“Against Leicester, I would say that was the worst game we’ve played this season,” Klopp told BBC Sport.

“It’s the situation, we have to take it, we have to learn from it and we have to change it. Have we conceded too many? Yes, absolutely.

“We’ve had to change a lot and that’s the truth, especially in the centre-half positions. It seems like an excuse but it’s only an explanation for what’s happened.”

Liverpool’s fifth league defeat of the season was a serious blow to their top-four ambitions.

Asked how much time he gave himself to be successful with the Reds, Klopp added: “It’s not that only I would decide about this.

“I am very positive about the whole thing. How much time I can get for whatever, I have no idea. But I’m in close talks with our ownership and we are all fine.”