After Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp said he felt “really rubbish” and acknowledged that the Reds were “horrible to watch” in the first half of their expensive loss.
The Premier League championship contenders needed to win this game to move back above Manchester City, but they were unable to overcome another early concession from Eberechi Eze.
Liverpool dominated possession and had numerous opportunities to score on the Eagles goal, but Oliver Glasner’s team was tough in defense and produced a number of incredible last-ditch comebacks.
Klopp told Sky Sports that the loss feels like “really, really rubbish” and acknowledged that he will need some time to comprehend it.
“How can that happen?” was our open question during the first half. With the game, Klopp bemoaned. “Curtis Jones was the only one who was actually pursuing, breaking their rhythm occasionally, and getting out.
Jurgen Klopp saw his side lose ground to Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League title race
Liverpool were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal and weaknesses in defence
‘Beside that they [Palace] could just play through. They [Liverpool] were horrible to watch.’
Liverpool were not only hoping to bounce back from their disappointing 2-2 draw with Manchester United last weekend, but reaction was needed following their shocking 3-0 loss at home to Atalanta in midweek.
On both occasions the Reds boss saw his team squander countless opportunities before their structural inadequacies were laid bare.
‘Was this a hangover? Yes.’ Klopp continued. ‘That’s how humans react sometimes.
‘It’s not great but it happens. The conviction wasn’t there. We were much too far apart from each other. Last line too deep, the midfield wasn’t really there, first line didn’t start the press. So that’s all true.
‘Where’ it’s coming from? How can I answer that one 100%? But it’s only a few days ago that we played a bad game so it might have something to do with that. Actually it was a really good game, without scoring. But it’s not that easy unfortunately.’
Eberechi Eze’s 14th-minute strike was enough as Palace inflicted a rare home loss on the Reds
Reds fans were left lamenting their team as they fell behind in the three-way race for the championship.
With his goal in the 14th minute, Eze gave the visitors an eight-point lead over Liverpool and sent them into their first home loss since October 2022.
The Reds are eager to find out the outcome of Arsenal’s Sunday night matchup with Aston Villa. With six games remaining, a victory for the Gunners could put them three points clear of the top spot.