Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has apologised to fans after his side were simply “not good enough” in their 2-0 defeat to Everton on Wednesday.
In what was Klopp’s final Merseyside derby, the Reds were sloppy as goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin left their Premier League title hopes in tatters – Arsenal are already three points ahead and Manchester City can create an even larger gap if they win their two games in hand.
It was Liverpool’s first defeat away at Everton in 14 years and Klopp admitted fans deserved better than a limp loss.
“To sum up, it was not good enough,” Klopp conceded. “We played the game, or let it happen, what Everton wanted.
“They scored two goals from set pieces. The first one we somehow defended three times but in the end we put it on a plate. Branthwaite didn’t even kick the ball properly but the ball rolls over the line.
“After that we had our best period. We created big chances but didn’t score. Each situation we missed gave Everton momentum even more. Second half as well, not good enough. Then you concede the second goal. I think everybody who is with Everton saw that goal already 20 times. That’s their routine, everybody knows they put the ball there. The player is completely free.
“Obviously not the most inspired performance of all times. I really feel for the people, I am really sorry for that.
“We never lost here before and that feels really different. I really apologise for that. It was absolutely unnecessary but it happened. Now we have to recover because the quickest of all turnarounds is waiting for us. I can imagine it will be a challenge, mentally and physically.”
The defeat leaves Liverpool second in the Premier League but facing an uphill battle to mark Klopp’s farewell with the title.
With four games remaining, Arsenal sit three points clear at the top of the table, but third-placed City still have things in their hands as they boast two games in hand.
Pep Guardiola’s side need just one point from Thursday’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion to leapfrog Liverpool.