Jurgen Klopp urges his struggling Liverpool players to use Man Utd star as inspiration

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has used Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as one of the 'best examples' for his players to follow this season.

The Englishman has rediscovered his form under United manager Erik ten Hag, scoring ten goals since returning from international duty at the World Cup.

His form marks a stark contrast from his meagre five goals in 32 games last season.

Klopp and his players are currently going through the role reversal, sitting ninth in the Premier League table after claiming just one point from their last three matches.

"It's something you have to deal with," Klopp said at his press conference on Friday.

"Of course some players didn't reach the level that they have reached for us consistently. One of the best examples is Marcus Rashford, the season he had last year and this year.

"I'm not sure he can even explain it. That's how it goes. The time between these two extremes, you have to fight through it."

One player who has struggled to reach the heights of last season is midfielder Fabinho, having recently lost his place in the side to teenager Stefan Bajcetic.

Klopp admitted the Brazilian was not at his best, stating: "There are no arguments or anything like that. He knows that he's not flying.

"It's now really helpful we have Stefan as we need this, the guy who wants to win challenges and protects everyone and plays football. Fabinho for plenty of years has been absolutely brilliant but at moment, it's not clicking."

Klopp defends Salah

However, the Reds boss was quick to jump to Mohamed Salah's defence after he came under criticism.

The Egyptian won the Premier League Golden Boot last season, netting a whopping 23 goals. However, he has struggled for form in front of goal lately, managing just one goal in his last seven games.

Klopp dismissed claims that he had lost confidence, insisting all strikers go through difficult 'periods'.

"Mo hasn't lost confidence, it's like all strikers, when it's going well then it's going well and they can go through periods like he is," the German said.

"Each striker benefits from settled things, everyone knows that."

Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Marcus Rashford, Liverpool, Manchester United, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, Premier League, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno