Klopp ‘hurting a lot’ following derby debacle

JURGEN KLOPP admitted he was deeply hurt after Liverpool lost their first home Merseyside derby in 22 years to severely jeopardise their top-four chances.

The champions’ devastating 2-0 defeat to neighbours Everton was their fourth straight home league loss — their worst run of form at Anfield in almost 100 years.

It is also the worst home record by any defending top-flight champion since 1929, with sixth-placed Liverpool now three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and level on points with Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees.

Asked how much he was hurting, downbeat Reds boss Klopp (pictured) said: ‘A lot, a lot. I don’t like to talk about the good parts of the game because we lost the game and we lost the derby.

‘The first goal, which we have to defend better, gave the game a direction which was unnecessary — okay, but it happened.

‘I thought then there were, creative-wise, plenty of good football moments.

‘We did well from a creating point of view— but we had to chase the game, and if we have to do that, I think you saw the finishing situation.

‘We were not calm enough in these moments when we should have been calmer.

‘Everton defended deep and full of passion and all these kinds of things, but there were moments where we were completely free in the box, but we didn’t finish it off.

‘So that’s the one thing where we have to get criticism, it’s fine.

Then they got a penalty but it was late and it was not really decisive any more.

‘Even when, of course, it’s a blow when you get the 2-0 with seven, eight, nine minutes to go, it’s clear, but we don’t have to talk about that too much.’

On Jordan Henderson’s first-half injury, Klopp added: ‘Groin, adductor region, so it’s not good, but we don’t know exactly. The rest we will know tomorrow.’

Asked if he could believe the bad luck Liverpool were having with regard to the centre-back position, Klopp said: ‘No, but it is how it is.’

Liverpool were comprehensively second best throughout the game at Anfield and the reigning champions’ display drew criticism from club legend and Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness.

The Scot said: ‘It was a shadow of a Liverpool team — fair play to Everton,’ he said.

‘As a supporter of the club, I’m deeply disappointed with my team.

‘I think that there’s not one Liverpool player who can come off there tonight and think to himself: “I’ve had a good game”. I really think it is a shadow of a team.

‘You think what Liverpool have been for three years. Now everyone wants to play against them, they are an easy touch. That hurts me, to say that.’

Everton boss Ancelotti realised the importance of derby glory for the Toffees.

‘I’m really pleased and really happy for the club, for the supporters,’ said the Italian.

‘I hope for sure they are going to celebrate tonight. It was a good performance, a lot of effort, a lot of spirit. I’m really happy.’

Asked if the result and performance could give his players the belief to go on to secure a top-four finish, Ancelotti added: ‘Top four? Wait.

‘We are fighting for a place in Europe and now we are in a good position.

‘Of course, this kind of performance helps to improve the belief of the team.’