Klopp blasts defence

LIVERPOOL. — Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could not hide his frustration after his side slumped to a 3-2 defeat at home to Swansea.

The Reds went into Saturday’s early kick-off looking to cut the gap on English Premier League soccer leaders Chelsea to four points, but were subjected to their third defeat of the season by a side who started the day bottom of the table.

Having gone 2-0 down to Fernando Llorente’s double, the hosts drew level thanks to two Roberto Firmino goals but then undid their good work by allowing the unmarked Gylfi Sigurdsson to score a 74th-minute winner.

Klopp was critical of the way his players defended the decisive goal.

“The most disappointing moment was the third goal,” he said.

“There was nearly everything wrong with this goal: it started with a long ball

and the reaction was not good.

“We scored and then we couldn’t switch to defence mode and that was the biggest mistake in this situation.

“We were passive and they took the opportunity.

“The defending around all three goals was not good enough. That is a very important part of the game and was very disappointing.

“It was a big opportunity for us to get three points and that is what makes it so frustrating.

“We gave them the opportunity to win the game so they are deserved winners.” — Sky Sports