Jurgen Klopp claimed only four of his players had performed at an acceptable level as Liverpool’s dismal season continued with a heavy 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.
Klopp didn’t mince his words after watching his side collapse at The Etihad despite taking the lead early on through Mo Salah.
It was the latest blow in a hugely-disappointing campaign at Anfield and the club could finish the weekend 10 points behind fourth-place Tottenham as their Champions League hopes fade.
‘Only four performances were Ok and that is very difficult,’ fumed Klopp. ‘The two midfielders Hendo (Jordan Henderson) and Fab (Fabinho) worked hard, Cody Gakpo and Alisson.
‘But if you want to get something here, 14 or 15 players have to be on top of their game and that was not the case.
Liverpool lost 4-1 to Manchester City in their Premier League clash on Saturday
Jurgen Klopp said after the game that his players were ‘lucky’ that City had not scored more
‘City could do what they wanted because the spaces were too big. We were lucky they didn’t score more than four.
‘Not being good when you don’t feel 100 per cent is not possible in the Premier League.’
Klopp was particularly angry that having gone in level at half-time, Liverpool allowed City to go 2-1 ahead in the first minute after the restart when Riyad Mahrez crossed for Kevin De Bruyne.
And while he didn’t name any individuals, he hinted that centre-halves Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate could have done more to put pressure on City.
‘We didn’t even make a challenge. I have no clue why. If you are too deep and too passive City use it,’ said the German.
‘I don’t know 100 per cent if it was the team who started the second half like that or (certain) players.
He claimed Cody Gakpo was one of just four Liverpool players to put in an ‘OK’ performance
Midfield duo Jordan Henderson (L) and Fabinho (C) were also highlighted by the Reds manager
‘We conceded two quick goals and it is super-difficult if not impossible to come back, but we can make it more difficult if we stick to the things we did in our good moments.
MATCH FACTS
Man City (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri (Silva 83); Mahrez, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish (Palmer 89); Alvarez
Subs: Ortega, Walker, Laporte, Phillips, Gomez, Perrone, Palmer, Lewis
Goal: Alvarez 27, De Bruyne 46, Gundogan 53, Grealish 73
Booked: Rodri
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson (Tsimikas 70); Elliott (Chamberlain 70), Fabinho, Henderson; Salah (Nunez 70), Gakpo (Milner 83), Jota (Firmino 70)
Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Melo, Matip
Goal: Salah 17
Booked: Salah
Bookings: None
Coach: Jurgen Klopp
Referee: Simon Hooper
Player of the Match: Jack Grealish
Venue: Etihad Stadium
‘The difference in the end was massive. Wow, it’s not nice when their crowd are ‘Ole, Ole’ but it happens sometimes.’
A season which promised so much when Liverpool, as reigning FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders, convincingly beat City 3-1 in the Community Shield has fallen apart pretty rapidly.
Though Liverpool are just about within touching distance of the top-four, Klopp admits they will have to improve immeasurably to get anything out of their next game at Chelsea on Tuesday night.
With Sadio Mane departed and Luis Diaz injured, the relationships between front men Salah, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota still need work and Roberto Firmino is off at the end of the season.
Defenders van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson – all rated the best in the Premier League in their position – have suffered a collective downturn in form.
Midfield replacements can’t come quickly enough with Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount targets in the next window.
Liverpool will point to a block from Jack Grealish preventing Salah from making it 2-0 and lenient referee Simon Hooper letting Rodri off a second yellow card after he fouled Gakpo, a decision that had Klopp’s players surrounding the official.
But to his credit the manager didn’t try to hide the reality afterwards.
‘Could it have been a second yellow card? Probably, but we will not get it now. I am not sure we would have won today against 10 men.
‘I have told the boys there is nothing to say for tonight, tomorrow we have to talk about it. We have to use this game to make clear what things cannot happen.
‘We can’t be that open. I have to try and explain it, and I cannot explain.’
Julian Alvarez (left) and Jack Grealish (right) both got on the scoresheet as City moved within five points of league leaders Arsenal
Liverpool have now lost nine league games this season compared to two defeats throughout the whole of 2021/22
Television pundit Rio Ferdinand is among those shocked by the change in fortunes.
‘They seem to have lost that mojo. It is hard to put a finger exactly on why but you look at the midfield and every City player gets in their team.
‘I would be fearful if you are a Liverpool fan abut top four. There are teams around them with games in hand, more consistent and seem to have an edge on them. They are worrying times for Klopp and his team.’
