Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has urged officials to clamp down on the rough treatment received by playmaker Philippe Coutinho after he was again targeted by opposition players.
The Brazil international, reportedly made the subject of a bid by Barcelona this week, was at the heart of the Reds' best attacking moves in their 2-1 win against Leicester City in the Premier League Asia Trophy final on Saturday afternoon.
Klopp has admitted that he is "not too happy" with the lack of protection given to Coutinho by referee Bobby Madley, having seen a couple of strong challenges go unacknowledged.
"Even in the pre-season and even though it's a Premier League tournament, we should talk about this," he told reporters. "I was not too happy about two decisions around Phil Coutinho, 100%.
"[Madley] told me that if I behave like I behaved today then I would have to go in the stands. I said: 'If I behave like today then I go in the stand, no problem. But you have to change how you whistle'.
"That's the only thing. For me, it was a clear foul, 100%. It's dangerous. We had a similar situation at Wigan. What can I do? Write a letter? 'By the way, that's a foul so next time can you whistle?'
"It's a difficult game to whistle for refs, I know all this. But these things are obvious for me and that's why I thought it would be nice if he could help the players a little bit more. These players make the difference and these players bring people into the stadium. That's why we have to look after them a little bit."
Liverpool continue their pre-season campaign back in Europe next week with friendlies against Hertha Berlin and Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup.
Daniel Lewis
