Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said his players were tired, but he refused to use it as an excuse after being held to a 0-0 draw by Fulham at Anfield.
The Reds lacked the energy they showed in their midweek Champions League win over Atlético Madrid as they were frustrated by the Cottagers in the Premier League on Saturday.
The result leaves Iraola unbeaten so far this season but the Spaniard was frustrated at the lack of attacking output.
Iraola said: “I think what was lacking was quite clear. It is the first game since I’ve been here we’ve had problems creating chances to score goals, to make the difference offensively.
“It is easy for me, for you, for everyone, [to say] the players were tired. There is a lack of freshness, definitely, we cannot hide it.
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“I think it is the worst turnaround in terms of 60 or 70 hours between the games, but this is going to happen in the season and we have to adapt to these circumstances.”
Liverpool struggled to create opportunities against a side that had lost their opening three games.
Víctor Muñoz forced a good save from Bernd Leno from under his crossbar with a header and Alexander Isak weaved into the box before shooting at the keeper but defeat would have been harsh on Fulham.
Alvaro Arbeloa‘s side were livelier for most of the game and should have scored after a mix-up in the area when Jérémy Jacquet cleared off the line from Gonzalo García.
The visitors created a number of other openings and Iraola felt Liverpool could take encouragement from holding firm.
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The former Bournemouth manager said: “It is this kind of game that you need to win sometimes with a set play or a moment of brilliance and clearly we were not as good offensively today as other days.
“In the first half we were arriving late to the press. We improved this a lot in the second half.
“We had better structures. We controlled the game better without scoring a goal. I was feeling more comfortable, even if we haven’t been incredible.
“We also haven’t conceded clear chances. The one we conceded was the one we messed up from the goal kick. We defended quite well.”
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Fulham’s point was their first under ex-Liverpool defender Arbeloa and the former Real Madrid boss is confident, based on that display, wins will soon follow.
Arbeloa said: “We knew how difficult this stadium is. I’m happy with the point but more with the performance of my players and the way that they played with the character, the personality, the ambition that they showed.
“I know that everything in football is about the points that you get. It’s not about what you deserve.
“We were a little bit unlucky but if we continue playing in this way, I think we will win games.”
