Dejan Lovren playing under "black cloud" at Liverpool

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 07 November 2017

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren admits that his mental strength has been tested following a tricky few weeks both on and off the field.

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has admitted that he is desperate to escape from the "black cloud" that he is playing under following a series of below-par performances.

The 28-year-old recently revealed that he received death threats in the wake of the Reds' 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, while away from the field his house was broken into last week.

Lovren was withdrawn during the first half of Liverpool's heavy loss to Spurs, having being directly at fault for two of the hosts' goals, and he says that the past few weeks have tested his mental strength.

"Let's say there have been better days," he told 24Sata. "You simply cannot change what has happened in the past. I would just love to finally get that black cloud away from me, so things can get better.

"It's not easy for me. Maybe it's interesting for everyone else, but I guess it'll be better soon."

Lovren has been declared fit to play for national side Croatia in their World Cup qualifying playoff double-header against Greece after recovering from a minor injury.