Disappointment at Anfield as Southampton condemn Liverpool out of EFL Cup

Instead of signing one or two more attacking mids/wingers in the summer/current window, Klopp decided he’d rely on players like Lallana to deliver the goods, and that is now backfiring.

“The ref did not see the handball of Long and it does not help in a game like this”, Klopp told BBC Sport.

“I have never been beaten here as a player or manager: that is with Celtic, Villa and Norwich”, said the Scot, who made seven changes himself.

The German was also quite livid about the referee’s failure to award a penalty for what replays showed to be a clear handball by match-winner Long in the Saints box.

“He’s had a really poor night and usually he finishes that (chance). I am fine with the performance but not the result”. Everyone saw it, but there’s not a lot of good things to say today about this game. Liverpool will have to attack the visitors from the start in the hope that they can get an early goal that will encourage their fans to get behind the team. That’s how it is.

Liverpool manager happy with own his team’s performance but thought the referee and the weather need to up their game.

The trio of youngsters have enjoyed roles in the side this season, but Wenger will likely be keen to avoid being knocked out of another competition by the Saints, and will likely opt to field some more experienced players for the tough trip to St Marys.

“England are obviously incredibly tough, I think France are going to be tough as well”.

Just days after being eliminated in the EFL Cup semifinals to Southampton, Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup in the fourth round by losing at home to lowly Wolverhampton 2-1.

It was then a case of shutting the door and ensuring Liverpool did not become the first team to breach Southampton’s rearguard in the League Cup this season.

Klopp insists there will be no hangover from his side’s patchy form of late, and believes they are still on the path to success in the future.

“This will be a really hard game and a big test for us”.

“We stuck to the usual plan and in one or two moments immediately we had good chances”. That’s not a problem, that’s how it is. Let us know in the comments section below! We know about the football we want to play.

Jack Stephens only made his Premier League debut three weeks ago, also on Merseyside, as a first half substitute in a 3-0 defeat at Everton. Of course it has changed, it has influenced us.