Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp certainly was not a happy man after the 2-2 draw against Sunderland. The Reds twice had the lead but gave it away to penalties which were scored by Jermain Defoe.
The Sunderland man might have pegged back the Reds but they still managed to reduce the gap to Chelsea by one point but it surely should have been more. Klopp was looking flustered in the post-match conference but he still was let off by the media after Manchester City defeated Burnley 2-1.
Pep Guardiola’s side did pick up the three points but that was despite Fernandinho picking up a red card in the first half. And Pep did have one of the most awkward interviews in the history of the Premier League.
Klopp was asked about the result against the Black Cats and stated:
“The Sunderland game was strange, my first experience of a fixture like this. I couldn’t judge it after the game. I don’t think you can expect the best performance of the season in game like this.”
What was a little surprising was the rest of the response as Klopp stated that the draw felt like a loss for the Reds and then he added a bit more about Guardiola taking the pressure off him.
“It felt like a defeat. I was really happy Pep had his press conferenc so no-one spoke about my press conference.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvj-nC1SJlY
Lower placed clubs cost Liverpool dear
Liverpool should have been closer to the Blues thanks to the 2-0 win by Tottenham over Chelsea but the Reds should take what they got. Five points behind an all-conquering Chelsea side with 20 games played isn’t the worst feeling in the world but the German has to be careful of complacency.
The Reds might think that beating the big sides leads them to victories over the smaller ones but by now Klopp would have known that no game in the Premier League is easy. While no one is comparing that Liverpool have lifted their foot off the gas, they need to keep the momentum going for the rest of the season.
The Merseyside club have lost points to lower placed clubs but they certainly are having a great season and if they can keep their squad fit and fresh for the last leg of the season it could lead to a title.
The Reds have to play Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton at home and if they perform the same way against the big sides at home, a top four place is guaranteed.
