Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool played ‘like kids’ during their 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
Late goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane ensured the Reds overcame an early Trezeguet goal to maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign.
Klopp’s side also preserved their six-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race ahead of next weekend’s meeting between the teams.
But the Liverpool manager admits he was unhappy with the European champions’ initial approach during the first half at Villa Park on Saturday.
“We made it more difficult at the start, we started playing football but not exactly like we should have – too playful, like kids,” said Klopp.
“Our football looked good but I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the body language in the first half. We were not like warriors. We were like players.
“Body language is important. Aston Villa was ready for a proper fight, a proper battle, to defend with all they had and find space on the counterattack.”
He added: “We conceded the goal and now it was getting serious.
“Sometimes you need to get knocks. In the second half we started immediately and were much more aggressive in the right manner.”