Klopp defends mental strength

REDS STILL TOP DESPITE DEFENCE LAPSES One point will see Liverpool into next round for the first time in nine seasons.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp defended his side’s mental strength despite crumbling under the pressure of an inspired second-half Sevilla comeback to throw away a three-goal lead in Spain on Tuesday.

A thrilling 3-3 draw leaves Liverpool still on top of Champions League Group E, but means they still require a point when the English side host Spartak Moscow on December 6 to book their place in the last-16 for the first time in nine seasons.

Klopp blamed Liverpool’s lack of Champions League experience in recent seasons for the way they folded after a Roberto Firmino double either side of Sadio Mane’s header had given them a 3-0 lead inside half an hour.

“It is not perfect tonight, but it is not a general problem,” said the German.

“It just happened. In this atmosphere we need to get more and more experience.

“Could we have done better? 100%, but do I think it is a mentality problem? 100% not.”

Wissam Ben Yedder headed home Ever Banega’s freekick and then slotted home from the penalty spot to reduce the arrears, before Guido Pizarro prodded home a stoppage-time equaliser to extend Sevilla’s year-long unbeaten run at home amid delirious scenes at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

“Hope AC Milan watched it,” Ben Yedder cheekily posted on Twitter in reference to Liverpool’s stunning fightback from 3-0 down at half-time to win the 2005 Champions League final on penalties.

“It was an incredible, memorable match,” said Sevilla boss Eduardo Berizzo.

“We managed to transform all pessimism into optimism and appeal to the heart and soul of the team.”

Klopp, meanwhile, was left to rue the latest in a series of defensive collapses that have dogged his two years in charge at Anfield.

“They are human beings,” he said of his players’ complacency.

“Maybe it was misjudgement in controlling the game. You cannot become passive in a game like this because the second half is too long. It is not the first time it has happened in football, it will not be the last time.

“We already did similar things at home using our crowd and atmosphere.” – AFP

Picture: Reuters WHAT HAPPENED? Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says inexperience played a big part in his side squandering a 3-0 lead to draw with Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday.