Ninth visit and first loss. Jürgen Klopp (56) first tasted the bitterness of defeat at Goodison Park, where Liverpool lost 0-2 to city rivals Everton on Wednesday. Thus, the Reds not only fell in the derby, but at the same time lost three important points in the fight for the title. After hesitation, the German coach reduced his team’s title chances to a minimum. “It’s definitely not in our hands anymore. Arsenal and Manchester City would have to experience a crisis,” said the manager, who will say goodbye to the team from Anfield Road after the season.
Four rounds before the end of the season, Liverpool is three points behind the leaders Arsenal, and on Thursday night even defending champion Manchester City, who has even two games in hand over their rivals, can overtake them.
According to Jürgen Klopp, securing fourth place must now be the priority for the Reds. “We still need points to definitely get into the Champions League. That should also interest us.” said the Liverpool manager after the 0-2 defeat.
Incidentally, it was Klopp’s first loss at Goodison Park. In the 244th Merseyside derby, Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured victory for the hosts, who are still not certain of salvation.“After the first goal we put them under pressure and should have scored. But we didn’t. It’s a very frustrating feeling. But we also have to admit that it wasn’t good enough.” the German coach justified the failure.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was also completely frustrated. “Everyone has to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they really gave it their all and if they really want to win the league.” the Dutchman told Sky Sports before adding: “If we play like we did today, we have no chance to challenge for the title.”
The article was originally published for Livesport Zprávy.
