Klopp fumes at Watford equaliser in ‘up and down’ game

Rob McCarthy

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with Miguel Britos’ late equaliser after his side were held to a 3-3 draw at Watford on Saturday.

Watford twice led in the match but found themselves 3-2 down after quickfire strikes from Firmino and Mo Salah looked to have given the Reds all three points.

However, Britos bundled the ball home in stoppage-time at the end of the game to delight the home fans, although Klopp felt the goal should have been disallowed for offside.

“There was good and bad, ups and downs,” he said. “It was our first game against a physical, really strong side and we struggled a little bit in the first half but we did much better in the second half.

“We wanted to come here to win so I think that would have been deserved. Of course Watford had their moments, particularly with set pieces. The second goal was unlucky, and the third one was offside.

“There are enough people around so that’s unlucky for us because they wouldn’t score another goal.”

Liverpool’s preparations were hit on Friday when star playmaker Philippe Coutinho submitted a transfer request, but Klopp said he was not thinking about the Brazilian’s future.

“I cannot really say a lot about it,” he said. “I am responsible for the whole team, all the players, so I need to be focused on the players who are available. The players who are not available, I have no influence over it.

“I have to accept decisions from the owners, that’s how it is, and sometimes from the players. At this moment I am just concentrating on my team.”