Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace has placed the title out of their hands, and Jurgen Klopp has explained a key flaw in the Reds' performance.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Liverpool lose 1-0 to Crystal PalaceHand Premier League title lead to Man CityKlopp criticises Liverpool's pressing commitmentGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Eberechi Eze's goal for Crystal Palace in the 14th minute of play at Anfield turned out to be the winner after Liverpool failed to put the ball in the back of Dean Henderson's goal. A win on the night, in tandem with Arsenal's loss to Aston Villa, could have put Klopp's side into the pole position for the Premier League title win, yet it wasn't to be and the German manager explained the key flaw in Liverpool's Anfield loss to Oliver Glasner's side.
AdvertisementWHAT KLOPP SAID
Speaking after the match, Klopp said [via The Athletic]: "We had moments which didn’t end up in front of our goal, where we were just not together.
"Let me say it like that, if you press 80 per cent, you better not press at all because it makes no sense. We had here and there.
"Curtis (Jones) was really going for it, following through, besides that first line which was too far away from each other, no one pulls, (Alexis) Mac Allister and Wataru (Endo) couldn’t do it and the last line was too deep as well.”
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Klopp's Liverpool have always been known for their superb pressing abilities, however, that has been somewhat of an issue over the last few matches for the Merseyside club. Prior to the loss to Palace, the Reds also lost 3-0 at home against Atalanta in the Europa League, which also drew a lot of criticism towards the players' commitment.
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
With just six matches remaining in the Premier League, Klopp's men will have to stay perfect throughout and hope that both Manchester City and Arsenal drop points, if they are to crown Klopp's last season at the helm of the club.