Jurgen Klopp has been slammed by fans on social media for his ‘excuse’ to Liverpool’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.
Liverpool’s hopes for Champions League football were dented when an error-prone performance at Selhurst Park resulted in a stalemate for the Reds.
Liverpool, who were beaten by Real Madrid at Anfield in midweek, are currently six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League. Klopp’s men failed with an opportunity to close that gap when failing to defeat a Palace side that remains without a win until 2023.
Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah saw their efforts hit the woodwork, while Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta also hit the crossbar.
Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah both hit the woodwork but Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta also struck the crossbar and Patrick Vieira’s side were well worth their point.
The draw leaves the Eagles six points above the zone of relegation, with just one victory in 11 games. They will be facing a number of difficult games next month too.
“If you have three games in a week or two games it’s a big difference,” Klopp said when speaking with Sky Sports.
“I liked the start to the game. The dynamic was good, the passes were good. In the end, because we didn’t threaten them in behind enough, we had to play in between the lines. They had no shots on target, I think we had three or four. We hit the crossbar from Mo, had a header from Diogo and Cody’s situation late in the game. Usually we score one or two from the chances we had. We didin’t do that tonight.
“I think we killed the atmosphere with the way we played. When football is predictable, it means it’s easier to defend. To be unpredictable you need different movements, that’s what we have to offer in behind the lines as well. It was always in the midfield area. We gave balls away, but they were really aggressive as well. You feel something’s not right, but it’s an away point and it’s OK. It’s not brilliant, but it’s OK.
“In moments like this [we miss Darwin Nunez], but we can play without him. We have Diogo on the pitch who can be the threat in behind as well. When Mo and Cody are dropping, Diogo has to be there.
“I didn’t see a massive influence [from the Real Madrid game]. If we score, we go home and win 1-0. I can remember standing in this same room talking about a difficult game but we won because we scored from a set piece.”
On substituting Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita: “Naby had an early yellow card and then it’s difficult. Trent plays all the games, so that makes it really tricky. I didn’t take him off because he was bad, but he plays all the games so I had to change.”
“If you have three games in a week or two games it’s a big difference”
Jurgen Klopp says the Real Madrid game midweek had a physical impact on Liverpool’s performance today 🔊 pic.twitter.com/rCrSerUzyt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 25, 2023
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to BBC Sport: “Clean sheet brilliant, that’s what you want. A point, OK. It’s really similar to all the games we’ve played here in recent years. The difference is we didn’t score.
“The longer the game went on the more Crystal Palace came up. Our style was really good. There was no atmosphere, people weren’t happy with the way Palace played – because of us.
“We had three big chances. One of them should be in and fine. They hit the crossbar but didn’t hit the target. We lost balls at the wrong moment. We have to stop that. Today we reacted much better to that. Mistakes will always happen, you just have to react in the right way and they did.
“Palace were really compact. This is a game and a situation where you don’t score five goals, especially if you don’t score the first one.”
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, speaking to BBC Sport: “I believe a draw’s a fair result for both teams.
“We had chances. Against the top five teams in the Premier League, you’re not going to create very much. We should have scored one. It’s a frustration, especially in a big game like this against a strong team.
“I wasn’t surprised about the spirit, discipline and togetherness we showed today. We have a really good group of players at this football club and they showed that today. I’m really proud with the attitude they showed today.”
On Wilfried Zaha’s fitness: “Wilfried will have a week with the team, then we’ll see how he feels.”
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira to Sky Sports: “I liked the competitiveness, fight and spirit we showed today.
“In the first half we started well and were growing into the game. We had a couple of good chances.
“They started the second half much better than us. It was important for us to not concede and then we could get back into the game.
“We had chances and didn’t score. It’s the frustration of the season so far. This is one area we need to keep working. Those chances are there, we just need to score those goals.
“It’s part of building confidnece. Those players have the quality. It’s just forcing that luck. JP [Mateta] hit the crossbar, it was really unlucky. He took it well.”
On Michael Olise: “It was one of his best performances. He was really good tactically, defensively. In possession every time he had the ball it created danger. Today he was really good.”
On how good Olise can be: “It all depends on him, how much he wants to be there with the best. He’s passionate about the game. We have to help him as a club to grow.
“You want to win games. My players deserve to have more points because they do everything well. Today we were missing that goal. We have to stay calm and keep believing. If we play like this we’ll win games.”
“He’s passionate about the game, he loves the game” ⚽
Patrick Vieira says today was one of Michael Olise’s best performances 👏 pic.twitter.com/3slabsfguR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 25, 2023
As mentioned, Jurgen Klopp was slammed by fans for his ‘excuse’ to Liverpool’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace…
@Gyg3sD: Since the Nottingham Forest game on 27th December, United have played two games every week. Tomorrow’s Final against Newcastle will be their 18th game in 9 weeks. This is set to continue until “at least” 19th March vs Brighton. That’ll make it 24 games in 12 weeks.
@LfcBallers: I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think he’s lost the plot at the moment! He’s very aggressive with reporters and making up pathetic excuses. His team selection and tactics are shocking right now. What is going on??
@Zain_ZK1: United have been doing this for a month now but ok Klopp 👍
@JakePritchardFC: Wow another excuse. Klopp you’re washed lol.
@willjoy13: United have played every 3 days since the WC and will continue to do so until the next international break near the end of next month and not once has ETH moaned about it. He’s just got on with the job
@MUFC_Smig: Did he say 3 games in a week? Yo Klopp @ManUtd would like a word
@TomMcFarlane599: Klopp is finished, he’s lost the dressing room.
@Moonraker_Mart: Sorry Jurgen. They’re on £120k a week. I’d play 4 games a week for a quarter of that amount. Get a grip.
@faldog86: We’ve been doing it all year 😂 this man is the king of excuses. Just face it pal, you’re finished
@AlexOToole16: Like United hasn’t had/will have a game every 3 days for months and in fine form, this fella is filled with all sorts 😂
@yaaboyojc: Actually fed up with his excuses now.
@Alitheeagle1: Surely even Liverpool fans are beginning to get irritated by these excuses . Liverpool were poor. Quality of football well below top 4 standard.
@Scoz1985: What will he moan about if they don’t get a European place next season?
@Michaelj2207: Can’t hear ETH complaining?? 19 games in a 60day stretch. No complaint
@Ryan_Jackson15: I swear Klopp thinks Liverpool are the only team who play that amount of games
@Mansbridge14: Yet again another excuse. Fuck me this man needs to get over it, United 4 games In 11 days
@lauwolf79: He wants to compete in every competition and win… therefore he can not complain when games come thick & fast ! That’s what squads are for ! Utd are coping just fine ! Hopefully they’ll finish outside Europe places this season, and then we can see what he’ll moan about next year!
@JAMES77458423: He is such a loser at times. Just take the responsibility and accept it’s not good enough without excuses. I am starting to get very frustrated with him. Just end the season
@hamezhill: Leeds, Leeds, Barcelona, Leicester, Barcelona, Carabao final. 16 days 👍
As expected.
Liverpool finished
Klopp moaning pic.twitter.com/BCwK9HfEQv— Football Opinions💬 (@fo_tball) February 25, 2023
Another one!!! pic.twitter.com/4xehqksVwQ
— khadime Mbacké (@ccambacke) February 25, 2023
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