[ad_1]
Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool may haven’t any complaints after they wasted an opportunity to e-book their place within the Champions League final 16 as Atalanta earned a shock 2-Zero win at Anfield on Wednesday. Klopp’s aspect may have assured qualification from Group D with a victory, however they produced a poor show that was deservedly punished by the spectacular Italians. Two targets in 4 minutes from Josip Ilicic and Robin Gosens within the second half gave Atalanta a memorable victory that ended Liverpool’s 100-percent report on this yr’s match.
Liverpool had thrashed Atalanta 5-Zero in Italy at first of the November to make it three wins from their first three group video games.
But for the primary time since Virgil van Dijk was misplaced to a critical knee harm at Everton in October, the Reds appeared weak on the again in a uncommon Anfield defeat.
Beaten for the primary time in 9 video games in all competitions since Van Dijk was sidelined, Klopp’s group leaders nonetheless have their Champions League future in their very own palms.
“A deserved defeat in a difficult game. The ref didn’t whistle a lot and that makes it even more difficult, for both sides. It was unbelievably intense and you need some breaks,” Klopp stated.
“When the first half is gone, you usually settle but for some players who didn’t play for a while it was very intense for them. We didn’t find a way in the game.”
Early qualification would have allowed Klopp to relaxation gamers for the ultimate two group matches amid a busy schedule.
Instead, Liverpool host Ajax subsequent week with work nonetheless to do earlier than their closing recreation in opposition to Midtjylland.
“It was not a good game. We had moments but not real chances. It could happen to other teams,” Klopp stated earlier than complaining about Liverpool having to play Brighton within the early Premier League recreation on Saturday.
“You ask us to go Saturday at 12:30, which is nearly a crime. That is nothing to do with the result. Thumbs up, no injuries and we go again.”
Atalanta’s victory moved them degree with Ajax and inside two factors of Liverpool.
Liverpool’s harm checklist stays lengthy, with Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Trent Alexander-Arnold all unavailable.
Klopp named a makeshift defence that includes solely Joel Matip from Saturday’s win over Leicester as Neco Williams, Rhys Williams and Kostas Tsimikas began.
Even so, this was a sloppy displaying from the Premier League champions.
– Frustrated Klopp –
Atalanta took benefit of Liverpool’s lack of cohesion on the again when Gosens obtained in behind Matip and smashed a robust strike that Alisson Becker pushed away.
Papu Gomez was subsequent to take advantage of Matip’s creaky begin when he eluded the centre-back and fired simply vast from the sting of the world.
Liverpool have been no extra convincing in assault, regardless of the presence of Mohamed Salah — again after lacking one match attributable to his optimistic coronavirus take a look at.
Waving his arms and gesticulating at his gamers, Klopp’s frustration was seen as half an hour handed with out Liverpool mustering a single shot.
Salah lastly had a sight of objective simply earlier than half-time, however he could not hold his effort on track.
Liverpool have been no higher after the interval they usually fell behind within the 60th minute.
Gomez whipped over a teasing cross that Liverpool didn’t take care of and the unmarked Ilicic stole in to fit previous Alisson from shut vary.
Klopp had seen sufficient and made 4 adjustments instantly after the objective as he hauled off Salah amongst others and despatched on Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Andrew Robertson.
Promoted
The switches weren’t sufficient to spark torpid Liverpool into life and Atalanta struck once more within the 64th minute.
Liverpool have been dreadfully sluggish to react as Gosens produced a medical end from 10 yards after Gomez’s exact supply was nodded throughout objective by Hans Hateboer.
Topics talked about on this article
(This story has not been edited by Newslivenation workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)