Jurgen Klopp: Why I’m “very angry” for defeat at West Ham United

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has accused his side of only trying 95% after losing 2-0 at West Ham United.

It was the best possible start to 2016 for the Hammers, while Liverpool fans will be hoping the new year brings a resolution to the glaringly obvious problems that have plagued them all season, first under Rodgers and now Klopp.

Later, he offered a more detailed appraisal of his side’s display at Upton Park. Christian Benteke remains extremely static in front of goal. Liverpool’s set-pieces were troubling West Ham, and a corner two minutes later created further chaos in the Hammers’ box, as Liverpool screamed for a penalty, mistakenly thinking that Carroll had blocked a Coutinho shot with his arm, while Kouyate and Can clashed briefly in a heated exchange.

Liverpool were a disappointment and, with only one shot on target in the whole game, rarely looked as though they were capable of getting back into the match after Antonio fired the home side ahead.

Antonio had only scored his first Hammers goal in their last EPL game in 2015 against Southampton on Monday.

Prior to that Manuel Lanzini could have added a second shortly after Antonio’s opening goal when his 18-yard volley took a vicious swerve, totally wrong-footing Mignolet, before crashing back off the post.

Carroll has endured some dark days at West Ham since joining for £15m in June 2013 thanks to injuries, but this was a day to remember for the former Reds player, who remains Liverpool’s record signing.

The visitors emerged early for the second half, presumably with a flea in their ear from frustrated manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool were disjointed and unconvincing, offering only occasional threats, and while they had opportunities to get back into the game, they lacked the cutting edge to make more of the few chances that came their way. And Carroll could have piled on the misery with another header from Cresswell’s cross, but Mignolet made a fine save.

Liverpool pressed hard toward the end, with Noble clearing off the line from a Lucas header and Benteke firing over. The decisive moments we were there, but we were not there 100 percent.

“There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they’re going to do it. His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official from them”.

All credit to skipper Mark Noble because his cross was tailor-made for the big man and Carroll climbed head and shoulders over Nathaniel Clyne to power home West Ham’s second with keeper Simon Mignolet a mere spectator.

When asked if the manner of the defeat told him a little more about his players, Klopp said: “Always in life you have to get information on each situation”.

“We lost the ball on the left side, yellow flag”.