Klopp takes blame for Liverpool’s Europa League final loss

Rob Conlon
Jurgen Klopp: Manager insists he is "responsible"

Jurgen Klopp: Manager insists he is "responsible"

Jurgen Klopp refused to blame his players for Liverpool’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla and insisted he is “responsible” for the side’s display.

Liverpool were unlucky not to be further than 1-0 ahead at the break after Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoring and also had a goal ruled out by an offside flag.

However the Reds crumbled after the break, as Kevin Gameiro equalised straight from the kick-off, before Coke’s brace fired Sevilla to a 3-1 triumph.

“We have to use this experience. We lost faith. I’m responsible too. I have no criticism of my players,” he told BT Sport.

“We started off really well, we scored a wonderful goal, had our chances, had a disallowed goal.

“The second half is not about the first goal it’s about not concentrating enough for the second goal.”

James Milner, captain on the night, suggested Liverpool did not do themselves justice, and Klopp admits the defeat shows his side still have a lot of work to do.

“We did not defend well and were nervous and that shows our development is not as good as we hoped but we will use this experience to be stronger and I am sure we will be stronger if we use it in the right way, but for tonight it is disappointment and frustration,” he said.

“Tonight we couldn’t reach the level and it is my job to help the boys use these opportunities. I am responsible for this performance too, so no criticism for my players tonight.”

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Relive how the Europa League final unfolded.