Jurgen Klopp hints at ‘crazy’ explanation behind sluggish Liverpool start

Klopp.Liverpool.TEAMtalk

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pointed to one specific reason why his side were overwhelmed by Fulham in the early going in their 1-1 draw.

The Reds spurned a glorious opportunity to return to the top of the table after title rivals Tottenham and Chelsea had both dropped points earlier in the weekend.

Fulham flew out of the traps and took a 1-0 lead into the break. In truth, Liverpool were fortunate to only be one goal behind.

Speaking to Sky Sports following the match, Klopp said: “In the first 30 minutes we were just not good.

“We could have lost the game in that period. After half an hour it was already better.

“The second half was good. We could have had more [goals].

FULL MATCH REPORT: Liverpool comeback falls short after surviving early Fulham blitz

“We are dealing with human beings and things like this happen. Yesterday all the teams that played in the Champions League had a tough one. It’s crazy. Maybe this was the weekend we felt it a little bit.

“It doesn’t help with the number of games that we have to play the same players. There was a push definitely -100%.

“We move on. Tottenham is the next challenge.”

 

Henderson rues sluggish start

Henderson.Liverpool.TEAMtalk

Liverpool failed to click into gear until half-time neared, something club captain Jordan Henderson was keen to stress was unacceptable.

He told Sky Sports: “We didn’t get going until after the first 30 minutes. You can’t do that in the Premier League or you get punished – like we did.

“The good thing is we reacted well. We dominated and should have scored one or more two. I’m disappointed with the start, pleased with the reaction.

“We’ll have to look at it but it’s not like us.

“I don’t want to make excuses. I’ll let you talk about the amount of games teams are playing. We flew back from Denmark, prepared well. For whatever reason we didn’t start well. Maybe we could have won the game on another day.

“[At half-time Jurgen Klopp said] We need to start the half like we finished the first half. A few of us weren’t happy with the start. We gave everything in the second half. Fulham made it difficult to create chances.

“When you can’t win, don’t lose. But I felt we were good enough to get the three points.”