Klopp ‘can’t remember’ worse Liverpool game after Brighton humbling, as boss spots problems ‘no formation’ can solve
Jurgen Klopp admitted he is “very concerned” after Liverpool suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, who he said were fully deserving of the result.
Liverpool are still without a win in 2023 after a loss to Brentford, a draw with Wolves and Saturday’s defeat at Brighton. Solly March put the hosts ahead with a brace in the first 10 minutes of the second half, before he set up Danny Welbeck for a third Brighton goal within the last 10 minutes.
As a result, Brighton have overtaken Liverpool in the Premier League table. Klopp’s men are eighth place, on 28 points after 18 games.
Several issues with their squad have been noticeable at various points throughout the season. But this was one of the lowest points of Klopp’s reign, at least in his own mind.
Brighton bettered Liverpool in virtually every department, with more possession, shots, shots on target and corners.
Hence, Klopp has to go back to the drawing board as he tries to fix what is going wrong for the Reds.
Speaking after the match, he classed the Brighton loss as the worst game he could remember, highlighting the lack of organisation among his players, who he felt “were not really convinced” by their approach.
Klopp told Match of the Day: “Bad. Really bad. I can’t remember a worse game, not just at Liverpool, and that’s my responsibility. It’s a low point.
“It’s not difficult maybe. Brighton were the better team, it was well deserved. They played really well.
“It was a very organised team against a not very organised team. We gave the ball away, the spaces were too big and we couldn’t push up. That is obviously not good, especially against a super well-drilled side like Brighton.
“They got more confident and we did the opposite. I can imagine they are very happy because it was a great performance and we made it too easy in too many moments.
“I had an idea to change the formation which was to try help the team. That was the idea. But we never did it properly. We were always a bit in between and that’s the worst thing you can do.
“We could have done better. But we didn’t, and that’s why I looked the way it did.
“We need to be creative with the options we have. What I saw today from my team was that they were not really convinced by it. That’s it.”
Klopp concerned as he struggles to explain Liverpool downturn
Inconsistency has been a major theme for Liverpool this season, after they displayed the complete opposite last term.
Asked what is going wrong, Klopp replied: “How can you explain that? The same players played outstanding football matches but if things aren’t properly organised then it can look like that.
“We were always a bit late and things like this. If you don’t win key challenges and lose the ball too easily they are the two worst things that can happen in football. There is no formation that can solve that.”
And pressed on whether he is concerned, the German tactician said: “Yeah, how can you not be after a game like this?
“I cannot stand here and say it didn’t happen. Of course, we have to be very concerned about it.”
Liverpool will try to get back on track when they visit Wolves for an FA Cup replay on Tuesday. Their next Premier League match will be at home to fellow strugglers Chelsea on January 21.
