Liverpool struggled to keep hold of the ball without key playmaker Philippe Coutinho in the side.

That is the sentiment of Dietmar Hamann who suggests some of Jurgen Klopp's players have to improve their ball retention if the Anfield club wants to push the top teams in the Premier League.

The Reds were beaten 2-0 by struggling Newcastle United on Sunday and former midfielder Hamann believes it was down to the fact that Coutinho was out injured and star striker Daniel Sturridge only came on for the final 25 minutes or so.

"Jurgen Klopp said it in the week, he said: 'We have to be better in possession' and I think today they showed where they lack," Hamann said on Sky Sports.

"Without Coutinho and without Sturridge for large parts they struggled to create chances and find a way through the Newcastle defence.

"For large parts they looked very ordinary. So they need to bring these two players back, we need to see how long Sturridge is fit, but I think overall, whoever is on the pitch, they have to improve their retention of the ball.

"Today they were very un-composed, they lost so many easy balls, their passing was off today and this is why they didn't create any chances and only had one shot on target.

"I think their strength at this moment in time will be away from home because without their creative players they are struggling to create chances."