Klopp: Reds deserved to lose

Liverpool – Jeurgen Klopp (right) admitted Liverpool could have no complaints after they wasted a chance to book their place in the Champions League last 16 when Atalanta earned a shock 2-0 win at Anfield on Wednesday.

Klopp’s side could have guaranteed qualification from Group D with a victory, but they produced a poor display that was deservedly punished by the impressive Italians.

Two goals in four minutes from Josip Ilicic and Robin Gosens in the second half gave Atalanta a memorable victory that ended Liverpool’s 100% record in this year’s tournament.

Liverpool had thrashed Atalanta 5- 0 in Italy at the start of the November to make it three wins from their first three group games.

But for the first time since Virgil van Dijk was lost to a serious knee injury at Everton in October, the Reds looked vulnerable at the back in a rare Anfield defeat.

Beaten for the first time in nine games in all competitions since Van Dijk was sidelined, Klopp’s group leaders still have their Champions League destiny in their own hands.

“A deserved defeat in a difficult game. The ref didn’t whistle a lot and that makes it even more difficult, for both sides. It was unbelievably intense and you need some breaks,” Klopp said.

“When the first half is gone, you usually settle but for some players who didn’t play for a while it was very intense for them. We didn’t find a way in the game.”

Early qualification would have allowed Klopp to rest players for the final two group matches amid a hectic schedule.

Instead, Liverpool host Ajax next week with work still to do before their final game against Midtjylland.

“It was not a good game. We had moments but not real chances. It could happen to other teams,” Klopp said before complaining about Liverpool having to play Brighton in the early Premier League game on Saturday.

“You ask us to go Saturday at 12:30, which is nearly a crime. That is nothing to do with the result. Thumbs up, no injuries and we go again.” –