LIVERPOOL MANAGER Jurgen Klopp has spoken to Alisson Becker about his two mistakes which “killed” the game for them and resulted in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City but admits there is nothing he can do immediately to help his goalkeeper.
Mohamed Salah’s 63rd-minute penalty – ending a home goal drought nine minutes short of seven hours – had cancelled out the opener from Ilkay Gundogan, who redeemed himself after missing from the spot in the first half.
But with the match evenly-poised at 1-1 with 17 minutes remaining the Brazil international’s errant passing saw him give the ball first to Phil Foden and then Bernardo Silva, resulting in another goal for Gundogan and Raheem Sterling’s first at Anfield since leaving in 2015.
Foden blasted home a fourth late on to consign Liverpool, 10 points behind City at the top of the Premier League having played one match more, to a third successive home league defeat for the first time since 1963.
Klopp said: “I spoke to him (Alisson) a few seconds ago. He is obviously very disappointed and was like ‘not today, not today’.
“But that’s the problem with mistakes, you can’t decide when you make them. You have to learn from them.
“I said to him already ‘we have stands’ – you can put the ball there. The problem was he didn’t shoot the ball somewhere, somewhere not dangerous.
“In a game when you have such a good moment these two goals were a killer. Tonight it was decisive. That’s OK as he (has) saved our lives I don’t know how often.
“He is absolutely a world-class goalie. Something went wrong but we have to take that.
“I can’t help him through the night but we all have nights like this and tomorrow he will be OK and we go again.”
The win was City’s first at Anfield since 2003 and only their second in 34 visits but it was also a 14th in a row in all competitions, equalling the all-time record by an English top-flight side set by Preston (ending in 1892) and Arsenal (ending in 1987).
Manager Pep Guardiola was more focused on the immediate three points it gave them which extended their advantage at the top to five over Manchester United and 10 over Liverpool, who have played one match more.
“What was important was the three points. Of course I am so proud for the guys,” said the City boss, who acknowledged his side benefited from a lack of fans inside the ground.
“Hopefully next time we can do a similar performance with spectators because Anfield with people in and without is different. I could imagine at 1-1 how much they could influence the players.
“But especially when we missed the penalty and conceded a goal, how good we reacted. Everyone took a step forward. Ilkay and Sterling made an incredible game.
“I’m grateful and happy for this victory but tomorrow it is feet on the grass and it’s Swansea (in the FA Cup in midweek).”
Should City win their match in hand, against Everton, they would be eight points clear but Guardiola refused to discuss the title race yet,
“I said before, I’m not a guy who predicts the future of the table and in February five points is nothing. That is all I can say,” he added.
“I know how difficult Swansea will be, then Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal. Many tough games so be calm and keep going.”
Can’t believe the journal couldn’t find someone to do a minute by minute for the Ulster final….but of Course the Leinster senior AND minor were fully covered.
Struggled to watch it not to mind read about it tbh
I agree, maybe Mr. O Rourke can explain The Journal’s policy, if he is allowed?
No they did, he fell asleep.
Why cover shite.
You’re just sore you were captured in Donegal Wolfe, let it go man
Have to agree wit you Wolfe tone, hard to watch, hon the Farney .
To win 3 of the last 4 Ulster championships is a great achievement. Well done Donegal.
Thx. Great win by the minors too – they look v strong. Best of luck to Monaghan – hope they can regroup for qualifiers.
absolute dire stuff Ulster is slowly killing Gaelic football
Donegal won easy enough in the end. Never really looked that threatened by Monaghan. Be interesting to see how far Donegal can go this year.
Still more entertaining than at least 25-35% of soccer matches.
That’s a random stat kevin
It’s not a stat, stats are facts. This is just an opinion. Big difference.
Ok, it’s a bit random that you pulled a figure of 25-35% out of your ass. Valid opinion indeed.
So if I said “this match was still more entertaining than a good chunk of soccer matches”, you wouldn’t have been so pedantic? Or would “good chunk” have been too vague to gain your validation as an opinion??
I see. So you’re easily bothered, and failed to see the very basic sentiment behind my comment. I hope I don’t fall foul of your judgement again
Most interesting thing was the Palestine flag at the end #Controversial
Why #flag
Would rather eat my own flesh than watch that again…
Would that include eating your own willie, Willie?
Although the quality of football wasn’t fantastic, the commentary was shocking. Tom Carr and Martin carney are two of the worst “experts” ever to commentate on football.
Dublin no biting , Dublin no biting. Oh man.
Puke football – if this stuff wins titles I’m off to watch cricket
Off you go to the lords then so.
I see the savages on the pitch for the presentation anything goes in Ulster
Not unlike the savages caged in on the hill eeh Paul
Tyrone fooked that up for everyone if I remember correctly the province is killing the game
Only savages dear Paul r on Dublin Football team how many bitings now.
none how many players sanctioned over biting Eileen?
Jason Whelan 1 and the other ones the GAA buckled it
Paul this is the second time you asked that question and on both occasions you got your answer – Jason Whelan for one. This disgusting Neanderthal behaviours has to stop. Whatever the debate about tactics no player should be subjected to this barbarism.
totally agree no time for such carry on
That was a terrible advertisement for GAA. As poor as the Leinster Final was at least there was some football on show. Let’s hope they meet Mayo again this year and get another hammering. Maybe then they will change their tactics and try and play the game as it is meant to be played.
It’s the only tactic to get out of Ulster. If you want to stop it then support an open draw. I’m up for that. I can say for certain if Dublin were in ulster they’d not come out with 3 out of 4 provincial titles.
Well first of all they can’t play Mayo unless they both get to the final. And play how its ment to be played? Didn’t realise there was a compulsory style of Gaelic football play. May as well through out all the chalkboards, scouting missions, tactics and formation styles as everyone has to play the same to be successful.
Congrats to donegal on victory! But,I don’t know what to say about the football,I’m at loss where to start really, putrid football! Just pure MUCK
Pure shit to look at.
So is your… Ah forget it