Jurgen Klopp will have to rally his troops for a crucial Premier League clash at Manchester United on Sunday following the Reds’ defeat in the EFL Cup semi-final at Southampton last night.
The visitors looked lethargic and couldn’t cope with the Saints’ enthusiasm, effort and teamwork as they carved out a 1-0 win over the Anfield outfit thanks to Nathan Redmond’s goal in the first half — and it could have been more. Liverpool can redeem themselves in the second leg, of course, but it was the worrying nature of the defeat and the inexplicable apathy that will worry supporters.
Frustrated Liverpool coach Klopp says he has no answers to the flat performance but has paid tribute to Loris Karius who made a string of super saves.
When he was quizzed on why his team delivered a dismal display, Klopp said:
“After we conceded one goal the game changed. Even I would try to explain it, it’s not that easy. I’m actually not used to a reaction like this from my boys but they have to accept that it was not good.”
“We had not a lot of chances. If we had some at all. Maybe Roberto Firmino in the first half. One or two other moments perhaps.”
“We had a lot of moments in and around the box where we could have had a chance but we didn’t make anything of it and that was the situation.”
“So, the performance of course doesn’t feel too good. That’s how it is but to reach the final, I would think it is still open.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool have drawn Wolverhampton Wanderers at home in the fourth round of the FA Cup, but first they have to get past Plymouth Argyle after the Pilgrims earned a 0-0 draw at Anfield last Sunday.