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Jurgen Klopp gives ‘very concerning’ post-match interview as Liverpool are hammered at Brighton

Jurgen Klopp gives a ‘very concerning’ post-match interview as Liverpool are hammered at Brighton, moments after apologising to fans.

The Seagulls put three past the Merseyside outfit at the Amex to climb above their opponents in the Premier League, and it could have been even more for the hosts after they missed chances and had penalty overturned in first half.

Solly March scored twice and Danny Welbeck grabbed another in the second period to move Brighton within five points of top four.

Liverpool went into the game knowing they could find themselves as low as 9th in the standings – and 10 points off the top four – if results went against them.

Come the end of the 3pm kick offs, Liverpool sit 8th with 29 points from 18 games played, and are 7 points from the top four. Brighton are now 7th, with 30 points from 18 games played.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “Bad. Really bad. I can’t remember a worse game. 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.

What’s going wrong? “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.”

Are you concerned? “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 manager Jurgen Klopp, speaking to PLP: “Massively frustrated. Congrats to Brighton, they played a super game against a bad opponent. We were really not good today and I can’t remember a good phase, period or whatever.

“We tried to help the boys with a different formation but it didn’t work out at all. My responsibility, I know that. Tried to change it again in the second half but we were completely on the wrong foot.

“In moments it looked too easy for Brighton, the organisation was completely gone. It was too easy. It was just too easy and you cannot get back in this game.”

On how it can be fixed: “By organising it. Doing better should be easy because this is a really low point. I can’t remember a worse game.

“To improve that will be not too difficult. From this game we can pick up absolutely nothing apart from things that do not work.”

On why Liverpool weren’t at their best: “I have no sign for this performance before the game but that’s how it is sometimes. There’s nothing why I thought it could happen.

“It’s not that they always came through with everything, we had balls, we won balls, we won possession. When we want to push the ball is already gone again.

“To improve should be not too difficult.”

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to PLP: “We are really happy for the result, for the quality of play. We expected another tactical disposition of the opponent but we understood immediately the different situation and responded fantastically. I have a fantastic team of fantastic players and for me it is an honour to work with them.”

On now being above Liverpool in the table: “I don’t want to speak about the table. We have a target at the end of the season. Now we are to play another 20-21 games and we have to stay focused only on the other games.”

On Solly March: “He’s a fantastic guy and fantastic player. I have a great squad and it’s difficult to chose the first eleven.”

On if this tops the 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Anfield: “Both are very important moments for me but very different. In Anfield it was my first game in PL, a different country, language, players. Now I’m getting to work here and for this one it’s different.”

On if Brighton are dreaming of Europe: “We have a dream and we want to work harder to achieve our target. For sure we will work hard to arrive.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to PLP on what went wrong: “Everything. Everything went wrong from the start to the end. Brighton were better than us in all departments. It’s a real low point as a team. We have to stay together. It’s a tough moment but we need to get together, stay together and try and change things quickly. We have to try and learn and show a reaction.

“There wasn’t one thing. It was numerous things and it hasn’t been right for a little while now. Everybody knows that. We know we can be better. I’ll take responsibility and the lads will. We have to try to put it right.”

Worst performance under Jurgen Klopp? “Probably. I can’t remember another one. A really tough day.”

Feeling in the dressing room? “It’s not good. We’re pretty low on confidence. The energy level is low. Everything. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to keep fighting and hopefully we can change it sooner rather than later.”

Concerning? “Of course it’s really disappointing. We know we can play better and give even more. But you have to keep working.”

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi, speaking to BBC Sport: “The players were fantastic today. I think we played a great game.

On if this is his finest win: I don’t know but I think one coach has to follow the perfection and the perfection is not exiced. I’m speaking about coaches, and for this we can work a long time to follow perfection.

When asked about March and Mitoma playing well: For all the short passes we found the space to attack the line of Liverpool. I think Levi [Colwill] played a fantastic game, the same as [Pervis] Estupinan with the injury, it was incredible. [Adam] Lallana and Alexis [Mac Allister] are both two teachers on the pitch.

On the reception for Alexis Mac Allister: “Alexis is a fantastic player but I think more people know this fact. Before being a fantastic player he’s a fantastic guy. Already ready to play, to learn, to improve. He’s a World Cup champion and this explains better who is Alexis.”

On other teams now being interested in his players: “I hope for them. Will be right if they will play for the great, great, great teams. I hope they can finish the season with us, with me. We can enjoy a lot this year, they can improve and we can dream.”

On having 30 points at this time of the season: “Now we have to play Leicester and we have to try the way to win. We have to only think like this.”

Brighton goalscorer Solly March speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “A great day for everyone. One of the best performances I can remember for a long time. Some great finishes. It’s a great day and if we keep playing like that then we’ll do well, that’s for sure.

“It was just about being patient and waiting for that right pass. A great performance by everyone.

“We’re taking each game as it comes. We play better against the big teams at home. I don’t know why.

“I love playing for Roberto de Zerbi. He’s great. He puts his arm around you and tells you you’re a good player and maybe that’s what I needed.”

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