Jurgen Klopp apologized for Liverpool’s abject performance in their first Merseyside Derby defeat at Goodison Park since 2010, and captain Virgil van Dijk said the Reds players must “look in the mirror”.
Everton were deserved winners in a comprehensive performance after goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin took them a significant step towards safety and put a dagger in Liverpool’s title hopes.
And Klopp says he feels sorry for Reds fans as it looks like their era will not end with a fairytale ending. “I feel so sorry for the people,” he said. ‘We never lost here (under Klopp) and it feels really different. I really apologize for that.’
Asked if the title race was over, Klopp said: “We need a crisis at Manchester City and Arsenal and we need to win football games.”
“We’re not sure (of qualifying for) the Champions League either, so we should play better football.” You can see that we are in a hurry in front of goal.’
Jurgen Klopp apologized for Liverpool’s abject performance on Wednesday night
Liverpool missed the chance to draw level with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League
Van Dijk added: “I am very disappointed in many ways and everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performances.” (They should) ask if they really gave it their all and do they really want to win the league?
“And honestly, we are fighting and we still have games after tonight, but I think if we play like we did today, without winning challenges and giving the referee the opportunity to give a free kick like we did many times, then we will have nothing.” . opportunity to win the title.
Club legend Jamie Carragher also criticized the Reds’ performance, saying: “It’s not acceptable, especially when Liverpool are going for the title.”
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Rooney added: “We’re hearing again about 12.30 kick-offs (complaints about Saturday’s games at West Ham).
“Those Liverpool players should want to go tomorrow because when you lose a derby you want the games to come quickly.”
“Keep going, it’s part of your job.”
Meanwhile, Everton manager Sean Dyche was delighted with his team’s performance, one of the best of his tenure at Goodison Park.
“I’m delighted for the old-school Evertonians and Toffees who support us,” he said. ‘Thank you to the fans, you were fantastic tonight and Sunday.
Jarrad Branthwaite gave Everton a deserved lead in the Merseyside derby
Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the home team’s lead in the 58th minute
‘I asked them to give their luck and we will try to give it back to them.
‘When I got here, the negativity around the whole club and the situation… I’ve been talking about changing the narrative, just as we change it, they take points from us!
‘It’s not a done deal, there is an infinite amount of work to do. But the last two games have been a really strong reaction (losing 6-0 to Chelsea).
‘This is for the people, 10 days ago people told me I don’t know what I’m doing, now I do! “It’s for the club and the fans.”
