Jurgen Klopp Talks Philippe Coutinho, More After Liverpool Draw with Tottenham

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dubbed Philippe Coutinho a "genius" after the Brazilian playmaker helped the Reds earn a 1-1 draw against Premier League title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Saturday.

Coutinho opened the scoring in the second half before Harry Kane equalised for Spurs moments after the hour mark. But Liverpool's No. 10 remained the most enthralling player on the pitch, consistently tying Spurs full-back Kyle Walker in knots and creating chances his team-mates were unable to take.

Klopp was left in no doubt about how well Coutinho played on the day. But the Anfield gaffer also tried to resist taking credit away from the collective, per Liverpool Echo reporter Kristian Walsh:

Coutinho found the net after combining well with striker Daniel Sturridge. Before that, though, the pint-sized schemer endured a first-half yellow card for diving.

But Klopp appeared to defend his player, before swatting the issue aside altogether:

Despite the stalemate, Klopp urged belief that things will turn around for Liverpool, even though the rebuilding process will require patience:

It makes sense for Klopp to call for patience, because the German hasn't quite had the impact expected since succeeding Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool are ninth after picking up this point, still nine points off the top four and currently out of the European places altogether.

While Klopp shouldn't be subjected to a full critique until he's had a summer transfer window to reshape his squad, next season will have to be better.

Part of the problem he's faced this season has been seeing his team struggle at the back. Klopp referenced those issues when discussing Tottenham's goal, even singling out a few culprits:

Klopp also allowed himself some typically colourful expression to give the final word on the latest collapse at the back, per Sam Wallace of the Daily Telegraph:

Ultimately, though, Klopp was pleased with the point, even if he felt his side merited all three, a sentiment he expressed in rather dry fashion, according to Walsh:

Klopp is well aware his team will come to appreciate a point taken from a team with a legitimate shot of winning this season's title, a fact he made clear to LFC TV:

That may be true, but for both sides this result will feel like an opportunity missed. Liverpool may have the brilliance of Coutinho, but with fellow Brazilian magician Roberto Firmino out, Klopp's team has precious little else.