Klopp admits big Liverpool Hurdle after European ouster

Despite scoring an early goal in Bergamo, Mohamed Salah’s fifth-minute penalty was not enough to see Liverpool through to the next round of the UEFA Europa League after losing 3-1 on aggregates to Atalanta.

The fixture was already taken beyond Liverpool’s reach after a 3-0 loss to Atalanta in the first leg at Anfield, thanks to a brace from Scammaca. Still, after Salah’s penalty, Liverpool failed to find the goals needed to catch up the tie, and Klopp admitted that they put themselves in that position.

“It was clear we gave ourselves a massive hurdle. I liked the game a lot tonight with the desire and power the boys show. It was incredible for them. It was really tricky and we were too hasty in moments. If Trent Alexander-Arnold had been a bit fitter, we could have gone a bit longer, but it is insane that he has even played! In the end, he was running out of gas.” Klopp said.

With Liverpool dumped out of the competition, England now has just one team left in Europe all over with Aston Villa’s penalty shootout win over Lille after a 3-3 aggregate scoreline moved them into the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals.

On the same night West Ham United were knocked out by Bayern Leverkusen 3-1 aggregate after a 1-1 draw in London. 

Jurgen Klopp only has the Premier League title left as his remaining chance of winning a trophy beyond the Carabao Cup in his final season as Liverpool manager.

Liverpool is currently winless in their last two Premier League matches, leaving them in third position on the table behind Manchester City and Arsenal, with a two-point gap between themselves and Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Reds will return to Premier League duty on Sunday at Craven Cottage over the weekend against Fulham.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu