Jurgen Klopp admits he is frustrated that the high expectations surrounding Liverpool's Premier League title bid have overshadowed their strong start to the season.

Klopp's third-placed side have won eight of their 11 matches in an unbeaten opening to the league campaign.

But despite their position among the leading title contenders, Liverpool have endured criticism of late after some erratic displays both domestically and in the Champions League.

A midweek loss at Red Star Belgrade was especially underwhelming, but Reds boss Klopp believes the doubters are wrong to question his team.

Aware that champions Manchester City and in-form Chelsea -- both also unbeaten in the league -- have garnered more praise than Liverpool, Klopp launched a passionate defence of his side on Friday, claiming only winning the title for the first time since 1990 will be enough to silence the critics.

"The season so far-wise, points-wise in the Premier League, has been really successful," Klopp told reporters.

"But it doesn't really feel like that because there are two reasons in comparison with last year: free-flowing football in a few games and Man City and maybe Chelsea and a few others play a very good season as well.

"It feels a bit like this season can only be a success if we become champions.

"Our competitors are the champions of last year (Manchester City), the champions of two years ago (Chelsea), a more refreshed Arsenal and a more experienced Tottenham and Manchester United.

"That's a really tough job but we have no problem with that, we go for everything. We have to build on our situation, we have to get better, to get more confidence out of the season."

'Not easy game'

Klopp admitted the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Red Star Belgrade "was a rather massive knock which was not expected".

"Now we have to react for us in the right way, not only on Sunday, but in general."

Fulham head to Anfield on Sunday having slid to the foot of the table after a miserable run of five consecutive defeats.

But Klopp bristled at suggestions Liverpool should thrash the west Londoners.

"I would be really an idiot - a few people think I am but not that much - if I would talk about any goal difference before that game," Klopp said.

"This is a really strange situation for Fulham, I can really imagine how they feel. Their football is good, they caused (Manchester) City a lot of problems.

"You will never score a goal against a team like Fulham if you go to win the game with the wrong attitude and think about scoring, scoring, scoring. This game is a big challenge for all of us.

"If somebody goes there and expects an easy game then please stay at home. It will not be, it's a tough job to do."

Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita are both in line for a return to action following their respective hamstring injuries.

Jurgen Klopp admits he is frustrated that the high expectations surrounding Liverpool's Premier League title bid have overshadowed their strong start to the season.

Jurgen Klopp admits he is frustrated that the high expectations surrounding Liverpool's Premier League title bid have overshadowed their strong start to the season. Klopp's third-placed side have won eight of their 11 matches in an unbeaten opening to the league campaign. But despite their position among the leading title contenders, Liverpool have endured criticism of late after some erratic displays both domestically and in the Champions League. A midweek loss at Red Star Belgrade was especially underwhelming, but Reds boss Klopp believes the doubters are wrong to question his team. Aware that champions Manchester City and in-form Chelsea -- both also unbeaten in the league -- have garnered more praise than Liverpool, Klopp launched a passionate defence of his side on Friday, claiming only winning the title for the first time since 1990 will be enough to silence the critics. "The season so far-wise, points-wise in the Premier League, has been really successful," Klopp told reporters. "But it doesn't really feel like that because there are two reasons in comparison with last year: free-flowing football in a few games and Man City and maybe Chelsea and a few others play a very good season as well. "It feels a bit like this season can only be a success if we become champions. "Our competitors are the champions of last year (Manchester City), the champions of two years ago (Chelsea), a more refreshed Arsenal and a more experienced Tottenham and Manchester United. "That's a really tough job but we have no problem with that, we go for everything. We have to build on our situation, we have to get better, to get more confidence out of the season." 'Not easy game' Klopp admitted the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Red Star Belgrade "was a rather massive knock which was not expected". "Now we have to react for us in the right way, not only on Sunday, but in general." Fulham head to Anfield on Sunday having slid to the foot of the table after a miserable run of five consecutive defeats. But Klopp bristled at suggestions Liverpool should thrash the west Londoners. "I would be really an idiot - a few people think I am but not that much - if I would talk about any goal difference before that game," Klopp said. "This is a really strange situation for Fulham, I can really imagine how they feel. Their football is good, they caused (Manchester) City a lot of problems. "You will never score a goal against a team like Fulham if you go to win the game with the wrong attitude and think about scoring, scoring, scoring. This game is a big challenge for all of us. "If somebody goes there and expects an easy game then please stay at home. It will not be, it's a tough job to do." Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita are both in line for a return to action following their respective hamstring injuries.

Only winning title will silence critics says Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool left Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League visit to Red Star Belgrade so they could avoid any distractions, manager Juergen Klopp said.

Shaqiri, an ethnic Albanian of Kosovar heritage, would have faced the prospect of a hostile reception from Red Star fans for the way he celebrated a goal at this year's World Cup in Russia.

Shaqiri scored the winner when Switzerland beat Serbia 2-1 in a group match and made a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle on Albania's flag. The 27-year-old also had Kosovo's flag imprinted on his boots.

Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former southern province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke away 10 years ago.

"We are here to play football," Klopp told a news conference on Monday ahead of the Group C game. "Shaqiri will play a lot of games for us but not tomorrow.

"We are in Serbia and we respect that 100 per cent. That’s the world. Politics has always influenced life – on the planet I live at least.

"We have to make sure that we remain focused on football. That’s why we decided what we decided."

Soccer's world governing body FIFA fined Shaqiri 10,000 Swiss francs ($9,970.09) for his gesture, which was deemed to be “unsporting behaviour contrary to the principles of fair-play”. He denied that the celebration had political overtones.

FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE

Liverpool go into Tuesday's clash top of the section with six points from three games, ahead of Napoli on five and third-placed Paris St Germain on four. Red Star have one point.

Asked if they could not afford to drop points away to the group underdogs, Klopp said there would still be everything to play whatever happens at Red Star's Rajko Mitic stadium.

"It’s not like we have no chance of getting points from the following two games," said the German coach.

"Paris is not an easy place to go to and then we are at home to Napoli but tomorrow is not our only chance.

"I don’t think we should head into the game putting more pressure on to our shoulders and thinking that if we don’t win we have no chance (of reaching the knockout stages).

"You can enjoy the challenge as well and tomorrow is going to be a fantastic atmosphere. I love playing in a big atmosphere with the home fans supporting their teams and we have to make sure we are ready for that."

Earlier on Monday, Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic said he expected his side to be a different team to the one crushed 4-0 at Anfield in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago.

"The atmosphere here is fervent and it gives the players extra energy," he said.

"I am sure Liverpool won’t be bothered, but they will be fascinated. We’ve been to Anfield, it’s a cracking atmosphere there but still a far cry from the noise level here.

"This is a massive event for the whole of Serbia and the region because Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world. It should be a spectacular game."

Liverpool left Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League visit to Red Star Belgrade so they could avoid any distractions, manager Juergen Klopp said.

Liverpool left Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League visit to Red Star Belgrade so they could avoid any distractions, manager Juergen Klopp said. Shaqiri, an ethnic Albanian of Kosovar heritage, would have faced the prospect of a hostile reception from Red Star fans for the way he celebrated a goal at this year's World Cup in Russia. Shaqiri scored the winner when Switzerland beat Serbia 2-1 in a group match and made a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle on Albania's flag. The 27-year-old also had Kosovo's flag imprinted on his boots. Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former southern province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke away 10 years ago. "We are here to play football," Klopp told a news conference on Monday ahead of the Group C game. "Shaqiri will play a lot of games for us but not tomorrow. "We are in Serbia and we respect that 100 per cent. That’s the world. Politics has always influenced life – on the planet I live at least. "We have to make sure that we remain focused on football. That’s why we decided what we decided." Soccer's world governing body FIFA fined Shaqiri 10,000 Swiss francs ($9,970.09) for his gesture, which was deemed to be “unsporting behaviour contrary to the principles of fair-play”. He denied that the celebration had political overtones. FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE Liverpool go into Tuesday's clash top of the section with six points from three games, ahead of Napoli on five and third-placed Paris St Germain on four. Red Star have one point. Asked if they could not afford to drop points away to the group underdogs, Klopp said there would still be everything to play whatever happens at Red Star's Rajko Mitic stadium. "It’s not like we have no chance of getting points from the following two games," said the German coach. "Paris is not an easy place to go to and then we are at home to Napoli but tomorrow is not our only chance. "I don’t think we should head into the game putting more pressure on to our shoulders and thinking that if we don’t win we have no chance (of reaching the knockout stages). "You can enjoy the challenge as well and tomorrow is going to be a fantastic atmosphere. I love playing in a big atmosphere with the home fans supporting their teams and we have to make sure we are ready for that." Earlier on Monday, Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic said he expected his side to be a different team to the one crushed 4-0 at Anfield in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago. "The atmosphere here is fervent and it gives the players extra energy," he said. "I am sure Liverpool won’t be bothered, but they will be fascinated. We’ve been to Anfield, it’s a cracking atmosphere there but still a far cry from the noise level here. "This is a massive event for the whole of Serbia and the region because Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world. It should be a spectacular game."

Liverpool left Shaqiri out of Belgrade trip to focus on game: Juergen Klopp

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock said it would be "virtually impossible" for his team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Promoted Cardiff, who are 17th in the league table with one win from nine games, travel to Anfield to take on unbeaten Liverpool who are second on goal difference behind Manchester City.

Cardiff beat Fulham 4-2 last weekend to register their first win of the campaign but facing Liverpool at home is a far more daunting prospect because the Merseysiders have not lost a home league match since April 2017.

"It is virtually impossible for any team in the current game (to win at Anfield)," Warnock told a news conference on Friday.

"Their front three is probably the best front three in the world. But we're playing quite well -- I think we can cause them problems. You have to go there and believe you can."

In an ominous sign for Cardiff, Liverpool's forward line of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were all on target in their 4-0 Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

"We all have to play to the top of our potential to give them a good game and hope they're having a bit of an off day," Warnock added.

Liverpool's biggest improvement has been at the other end of the pitch, however, where centre-back Virgil van Dijk and Brazil international goalkeeper Alisson have marshalled a defence that has kept seven clean sheets in 13 matches in all competitions.

Warnock revealed he had passed up on the chance to sign Van Dijk years before Liverpool made the Dutchman the most expensive defender in the world when they signed him from Southampton in January.

"I'm delighted (Van Dijk's) playing like he is," Warnock added. "We could have bought him at (Crystal) Palace for six million pounds ($7.7 million) but my chief scout told me he was too slow. I think he's still in a job as well."

With Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson out with a hamstring injury, Van Dijk captained the team in their midweek Champions League win and could be in line to lead the side again on Saturday.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock said it would be "virtually impossible" for his team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday. Promoted Cardiff, who are 17th in the league table with one win from nine games, travel to Anfield to take on unbeaten Liverpool who are second on goal difference behind Manchester City.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock said it would be "virtually impossible" for his team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday. Promoted Cardiff, who are 17th in the league table with one win from nine games, travel to Anfield to take on unbeaten Liverpool who are second on goal difference behind Manchester City. Cardiff beat Fulham 4-2 last weekend to register their first win of the campaign but facing Liverpool at home is a far more daunting prospect because the Merseysiders have not lost a home league match since April 2017. "It is virtually impossible for any team in the current game (to win at Anfield)," Warnock told a news conference on Friday. "Their front three is probably the best front three in the world. But we're playing quite well -- I think we can cause them problems. You have to go there and believe you can." In an ominous sign for Cardiff, Liverpool's forward line of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were all on target in their 4-0 Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday. "We all have to play to the top of our potential to give them a good game and hope they're having a bit of an off day," Warnock added. Liverpool's biggest improvement has been at the other end of the pitch, however, where centre-back Virgil van Dijk and Brazil international goalkeeper Alisson have marshalled a defence that has kept seven clean sheets in 13 matches in all competitions. Warnock revealed he had passed up on the chance to sign Van Dijk years before Liverpool made the Dutchman the most expensive defender in the world when they signed him from Southampton in January. "I'm delighted (Van Dijk's) playing like he is," Warnock added. "We could have bought him at (Crystal) Palace for six million pounds ($7.7 million) but my chief scout told me he was too slow. I think he's still in a job as well." With Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson out with a hamstring injury, Van Dijk captained the team in their midweek Champions League win and could be in line to lead the side again on Saturday.

Beating Liverpool 'virtually impossible', says Cardiff boss

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored twice as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/salah-strikes-twice-to-make-it-50-as-liverpool-beat-red-star-173327">Liverpool beat Red Star Belgrade</a> in UEFA Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday.&nbsp;

With the win, the Reds got their last-16 hopes back on track as their attacking trio - Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane - was in action and made the difference in the 4-0 win at Anfield.

Salah made it 50 goals for the club while Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane also both hit the target.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old Salah celebrated his 50th goal for the club in a heartwarming gesture by giving away a brand new jersey to his fan. In return, he received a lovely box of chocolate.&nbsp;

He became the fastest player in Liverpool to score 50 goals in just 65 matches.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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Shot of the week , Mo Salah👏 <a href="https://t.co/5GuT9WC1CA">pic.twitter.com/5GuT9WC1CA</a>
— TiM™️🔆 (@TIMs_LENS) <a href="https://twitter.com/TIMs_LENS/status/1055626377226043393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mohamed Salah receiving a gift from an Egyptian fan after handing over his shirt 👏 
 
🎬 <a href="https://twitter.com/davidclarke981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@davidclarke981</a> <a href="https://t.co/6nPPAoQN84">pic.twitter.com/6nPPAoQN84</a>
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnythingLFC_/status/1055728021204885504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"When the game calmed down we played football and created chances - it was a really good game and I enjoyed it a lot," said Liverpool's boss Juergen Klopp.

"It was a good football game and a deserved win."

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool beat Red Star Belgrade in UEFA Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday. With the win, the Reds got their last-16 hopes back on track as their attacking trio - Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane - was in action and made the difference in the 4-0 win at Anfield.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool beat Red Star Belgrade in UEFA Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday. With the win, the Reds got their last-16 hopes back on track as their attacking trio - Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane - was in action and made the difference in the 4-0 win at Anfield. Salah made it 50 goals for the club while Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane also both hit the target. The 26-year-old Salah celebrated his 50th goal for the club in a heartwarming gesture by giving away a brand new jersey to his fan. In return, he received a lovely box of chocolate. He became the fastest player in Liverpool to score 50 goals in just 65 matches. Watch the video here: Shot of the week , Mo Salah👏 pic.twitter.com/5GuT9WC1CA — TiM™️🔆 (@TIMs_LENS) October 26, 2018 × Mohamed Salah receiving a gift from an Egyptian fan after handing over his shirt 👏 🎬 @davidclarke981 pic.twitter.com/6nPPAoQN84 — Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 26, 2018 × "When the game calmed down we played football and created chances - it was a really good game and I enjoyed it a lot," said Liverpool's boss Juergen Klopp. "It was a good football game and a deserved win."

Watch: Salah exchanges Liverpool jersey with chocolate box in Champions League

Liverpool are fully committed to supporting their manager-less women's team but there remains room for improvement, the Women's Super League side's caretaker boss Chris Kirkland has said.

Kirkland took charge following Neil Redfearn's departure after a 5-0 defeat by Arsenal in their league opener. The BBC reported that concerns over the treatment of the side, who play and train at Tranmere Rovers, had led to Redfearn quitting.

Liverpool also had to deal with losing six of their players in the close season to newly created Championship side Manchester United, including England internationals Siobhan Chamberlain and Alex Greenwood.

"(CEO) Peter Moore knows things need to improve. We are at a tremendous football club and we will do everything to give us the best possible chance to succeed," former Liverpool goalkeeper Kirkland told the BBC.

One of the concerns for the team was accommodation near the ground and Kirkland said that Liverpool had found apartments and reimbursed him after he paid for beds to be installed in them.

"It's about looking after the players, because they`re the ones that play. If they are happy off the pitch, they are happy on it, and vice-versa," Kirkland added.

Liverpool won the FA Women`s Super League in 2013 and 2014 but are currently seventh in the 11-team division, with three points from two games.

Liverpool are fully committed to supporting their manager-less women's team but there remains room for improvement, the Women's Super League side's caretaker boss Chris Kirkland has said.

Liverpool are fully committed to supporting their manager-less women's team but there remains room for improvement, the Women's Super League side's caretaker boss Chris Kirkland has said. Kirkland took charge following Neil Redfearn's departure after a 5-0 defeat by Arsenal in their league opener. The BBC reported that concerns over the treatment of the side, who play and train at Tranmere Rovers, had led to Redfearn quitting. Liverpool also had to deal with losing six of their players in the close season to newly created Championship side Manchester United, including England internationals Siobhan Chamberlain and Alex Greenwood. "(CEO) Peter Moore knows things need to improve. We are at a tremendous football club and we will do everything to give us the best possible chance to succeed," former Liverpool goalkeeper Kirkland told the BBC. One of the concerns for the team was accommodation near the ground and Kirkland said that Liverpool had found apartments and reimbursed him after he paid for beds to be installed in them. "It's about looking after the players, because they`re the ones that play. If they are happy off the pitch, they are happy on it, and vice-versa," Kirkland added. Liverpool won the FA Women`s Super League in 2013 and 2014 but are currently seventh in the 11-team division, with three points from two games.

Liverpool will back women's team, says Chris Kirkland

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Only winning title will silence critics says Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool left Shaqiri out of Belgrade trip to focus on game: Juergen Klopp

Beating Liverpool 'virtually impossible', says Cardiff boss

Watch: Salah exchanges Liverpool jersey with chocolate box in Champions League

Liverpool will back women's team, says Chris Kirkland