Klopp's HARSH admission: "We're not in the title race"
The Liverpool manager had to face the press after their loss to Arsenal and he was open about their situation
Jurgen Klopp thinks Liverpool is too far from the title contenders right now. Before the Reds clash with Arsenal, the German boss had been adamant that his side needed to "become unpredictable again", but it was far from that as his side got solidly beaten by the Gunners, depite being close on the scoresheet. Now, by Klopp's own admission, they may be too far to fight back.
Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta had to be warned by referee Michael Oliver
Liverpool's third loss of the season ensured their poorest points total at this point in a Premier League campaign in ten years, in contrast to the success enjoyed by Manchester City, their title rivals from previous season. The Reds' early-season struggles have caused Klopp to admit their title aspirations are already gone. The team has 10 points after eight games, 14 fewer than league leaders Arsenal.
"We're not in the title race" Klopp admitted. "We have problems at the moment, but we have to continue. In a situation like ours, we will go out there and fight. We are not here for being happy with the situation and thinking about last year".
"We are very disappointed. Around all three goals we made decisive mistakes. The first goal is not what you need. A bad start", added the German manager, as his side went down on the scoreboard just 58 seconds into the match.
Klopp praised his side for regaining control of the game after that early blow, but was also sorry to see it be lost just before half time: "We start controlling the game against a very aggressive, full-of-confidence Arsenal side. We showed we're here for a reason, scored an equaliser, a wonderful goal. Then it's an open game and advantage for us. Then we make a bad decision before half time, what are we doing? Worst possible start, worst possible end".
Of course, Klopp spoke about the controversy regarding two potential penalties, one for Liverpool in the first half when Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes handballed, which was not given, and the other for the Gunners when Thiago Alcantara brought down Gabriel Jesus, which was given and proved the winner: "Arsenal came out very aggressive [for the second half]. We scored an equaliser, then a real open game, slight advantage for us. Then the penalty happens. He thought immediately it was a penalty, which was interesting. [VAR] Mr England had a look and if two refs think the same it's the truth we have to live with. But they thought it was clear not a handball in the first half when Diogo put the pull on [Gabriel's] arm. We cannot change that".
The second half penalty that proved Arsenal's winner
With Liverpool hosting Manchester City next week on what could be one of their most important games of the season, the Reds need to pick up the pieces and fast, and nobody knows it better than Jurgen Klopp.
Continue reading: "Thank you for choosing us": Guardiola glad Haaland plays for City amid petition to ban him
Esta nota habla de:
