Liverpool FC lost the last Merseyside derby under Jürgen Klopp 2-0 at Everton FC. For the Reds coach it was only the second defeat against his city rivals. The defeat now represents a bitter setback for the LFC in the ongoing exciting race for the Premier League championship.
“We both concede goals from set pieces against a team that thrives on set pieces,” said Jürgen Klopp afterwards Sky very frustrated. His criticism was clearly based on the fact that he had persuaded his team to risk the set pieces – only to lose the game in this way.
Despite this, Liverpool were still able to put pressure on Everton. The hosts were still “put under real pressure,” and Klopp at least praised them.
Nevertheless, the disillusioned coach only had one conclusion left: “We actually have to score. I would have liked to have seen the game after the equalizer.” He complained about the lack of calm in the opponent's penalty area.
“It feels really dirty because we let it happen. That wasn't good enough tonight,” Klopp continued. He can only apologize to the fans for the way this bankruptcy happened.
He also saw the defeat as a possibly decisive mistake in the championship fight. The 56-year-old said matter-of-factly: “If we ever had it in our own hands, then we definitely don't have it anymore. City and Arsenal need a crisis now, but if you play like we did today, why should you become champions?”
When asked how big he still thinks LFC's role in the championship is, he also gave a clear answer: “I don't know why I have to answer this question. You can all read the table. Is that what I should say now? that we're still fully involved?”
|
placement |
Games played |
Goal difference |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. FC Arsenal |
34 |
82:26 (+56) |
77 |
|
2. FC Liverpool |
34 |
75:34 (+41) |
74 |
|
3. Manchester City |
32 |
76:32 (+44) |
73 |
Virgil van Dijk also made similar comments. “If we play like that, we shouldn't see ourselves as part of the championship race,” he criticized (via Fabrizio Romano). “Everyone needs to look in the mirror and at their own performance and ask themselves if they really want to win the league.”
One thing is clear: Arsenal FC and Manchester City are now considered the clear favorites. With only four games left (or six for City), Liverpool would have to hope for a surprising number of slip-ups from the competition while winning their own games.
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