Search icon

Football

08th May 2017

The grass is always greener with Jurgen Klopp’s bizarre reason for Liverpool dropping points

Excuses

Paul Moore

That familiar feeling at Anfield.

There have been times this season when the race for the top four has been less of a race and more of a stumbling contest that’s akin to what you would see outside of your local pub at last orders.

As the full-time whistle sounded at Anfield, Liverpool fans were probably fearing the worst as their side dropped two precious points at home to Southampton, but as is the norm with this Champions League race, Manchester United were more than happy to reciprocate, unfortunately for Liverpool, United’s performance was to Arsenal’s benefit.

James Milner’s missed penalty and Alberto Moreno’s water bottle flip were the standout highlights from a game that had that familiar feeling for Liverpool fans.

West Ham, Swansea, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and now Southampton have picked up points at Anfield, and Jurgen Klopp has provided a rather odd reason as to why his men were out of sorts in the first 45 minutes.

“Today, I know nobody wants to hear it but I’m brave enough to say it, the pitch was really dry. We gave it all the water we had but after 15 minutes it was really dry, the (drying) wind, it was difficult. You could see it, a lot of passes where you’re thinking ‘why are they playing this? But it was difficult. In a possession game you need to have the best you can get if possible. It’s nobody’s fault, it just a description.”

Despite the draw, Champions League qualification is still in Liverpool’s hands and with games against West Ham and Middlesbrough to come, Klopp ‘s men must fancy their chances of returning to Europe’s elite competition.

Still though, the groundsmen better have the pitch watered for the visit of Middlesbrough on the final day of the season.

Take a look.

WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?