Newport 'hit a wall' like Klopp's first year in Liverpool

The Exiles welcome Tranmere Rovers to Rodney Parade tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3pm) with the aim of getting a win that would push them past last year’s tally of 57 points.

However, they have been stuck on 55 for the last five games with defeats to Barrow, Colchester, Crawley, Grimsby and Accrington.

County were already safe from the drop but their nightmare run has led to them falling out of contention for the play-offs.

Coughlan insists that it’s a long injury list and heavy workload that is to blame and not the character and attitude of his squad.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp (Image: PA)

“I don’t like to use a Premier League team but I remember when Jurgen Klopp came in and probably found the same as we are finding now,” said the manager, who expects energy and pressing from his players.

“His team have done what he has asked but in his first season they just hit a brick wall [finishing eighth]. He went away in the summer, addressed it and found the reasons why.

“As a manager, coaches and staff, we are trying to investigate [the losing streak] and it doesn’t mean that they are a bad group or players.

“They certainly haven’t downed tools or disappeared onto the beach, whatever people might be saying.

“There is no way that they have become bad players, people or characters overnight. There are mitigating circumstances and we have asked a lot of the group.

“All I ask from them is a strong finish and to get beyond that 57-point marker and finish above 15th, last season’s total and position.

“That would be a really successful outcome and at the moment I will take whatever the gods can give me, if that’s a performance, clean sheet or win."

County boss Graham Coughlan says his team haven't 'downed tools' (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

County have a long injury list featuring seven senior figures – defenders Shane McLoughlin, Ryan Delaney, James Clarke, Josh Seberry and Declan Drysdale plus midfielders Aaron Wildig and James Waite – while left-back Adam Lewis is banned for the rest of the season after being sent off on Tuesday.

The Exiles have not only lost five on the spin but they have been flat and offered little in attack – they have averaged 6.6 shots per game in the losing streak (2.4 on target).

“It’s not been easy seeing your group depleted, devoid of ideas and confidence, with things not happening for them,” said Coughlan.

“We have to stick with each other. The group have to remain upbeat and positive, summon up some energy to put a strong finish in.

“We’ve all got something to play for, whether contracts or individual targets. I want them to enjoy it, because they have done reasonably well this season, and turn around their fortunes to take something positive into next season and use it as a springboard.

“There is no doubt we are looking to push on and I would like them to give themselves every opportunity to be part of that.”