Jurgen Klopp lamented Liverpool’s defending in their Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, saying all the goals they conceded were ‘completely unnecessary.’
Holders Liverpool exited the competition as they succumbed to a 3-2 loss in a thrilling cup tie at the Etihad Stadium.
Goals from Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez and Nathan Ake gave City the win on the night but all of the home side’s goals were avoidable, believes Klopp.
Klopp told Sky Sports: “We played a formation that we haven’t played for a long time, and we had to change in pretty much our last session. You could see that, we needed time to adapt.
“In the first 15 minutes we had real problems and that killed our confidence and conviction a little bit.
“The goals we conceded were completely unnecessary. We had good spells and could have scored more goals as well. It’s a result we have to live with now.
“It was a high-intensity game from both teams, that’s normal. We played a good game but not good enough to beat City tonight. That says something but not everything. It’s just how it is.
“There’s a lot we can build on and we can take into the next games and that’s what we’ll do.”
talkSPORT’s Jamie O’Hara added: “Liverpool looked a bit open, didn’t they?
“I know City were at it but I think the scoreline almost flatters Liverpool to a certain degree. They had some big chances to put Liverpool to the sword, Manchester City.”
On another night Darwin Nunez could’ve had a hat-trick, with the Uruguayan spurning two big chances in the first half, while his third chance of the night saw him pull a shot wide when clean through on goal.
And talkSPORT’s Charlie Adam and Carlton Cole suggested the likes of Haaland and Harry Kane would’ve gobbled up the chances presented to Nunez.
Adam said on commentary for talkSPORT: “He could’ve at least had one goal I think.
“The opportunities he had, he snatched at a couple and the one where he volleyed the free-kick from Robertson he never really showed any conviction. He let it hit his heel.
“If he had shown real conviction he could’ve scored. A top, top striker on any other night – if that was a Haaland or maybe a Harry Kane, probably could’ve had a hat-trick tonight.
“The second half one he had too long to think about it. By the time he got through he snatched at it and dragged it wide.”
Cole added on The Sports Bar: “If Nunez puts those chances in the onion bag you’re looking at a different match.
“You’ve got to be ruthless up there. I like Nunez, I think he’s a top, top player – his runs, his aggression, he gets around the pitch really well.
“With chances like that Kane’s putting those chances in the net. That’s what Liverpool are missing at the moment.
“How long does it take for him to bed in? It’s too long.”
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