Liverpool were comfortable 2-0 winners over Sunderland on Saturday.

After last week's goalless draw saw them lose top spot Liverpool's hard-earned win, courtesy of a 75th-minute goal from Divock Origi and James Milner's added-time penalty, got them back on track.

It was not the free-flowing performance which has become their trademark this season but that was partly down to Sunderland's dogged resistance and defensive set-up.

"I didn't think about Southampton for a second today," added the German when he was asked whether he felt a repeat of St Mary's was on the cards.

"No, today was much more defensive. I don't think I have ever played against a more defensive team, man-marking against Coutinho and (Victor) Anichebe left full-back.

"It is a nice thing to learn that we are able to beat even the most defensive team I ever played against."