Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to express their annoyance at our 1-0 loss to Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final.
All seemed to be going swimmingly until the 92nd minute, when Adrian Lopez tapped in Denis Suarez’s low cross to give the Spaniards what could prove to be a decisive advantage.
SEE MORE
Liverpool ratings vs Villarreal
Ings fee announced
Sakho suspended
It’s clear that Klopp tried to “do a Rafa” and play for a 0-0, but was sunk by our defence switching off in the final moments. Other than that, we think his tactics were largely spot-on for an away leg in a European semi-final.
The only decision we think he got wrong was not introducing Sturridge when Coutinho was forced off at half-time. It was clear their defence was open to being exploited, and a traditional striker could have caused mayhem. Even the introduction of Benteke for the last couple of minutes caused them some issues.
It is that decision not to bring on Sturridge that’s dominating the post-match discussions on Twitter. Here’s a flavour of what’s being said:
Klopp builds our game in big away matches on high-pressing and energy. Sturridge doesn’t press and hasn’t got an engine on him. It’s simple.
— Joseph Musker (@Musker_LFC) April 28, 2016
What do you do with Sturridge now? Play him on Sudnay and have him tired next Thursday? Not play him and piss him off more? — Liverpool Red (@lfcredynwa) April 28, 2016
Klopp got it wrong, opting 4 a draw. Strange game esp. when we hv on form Sturridge on d bench. Still believe @LFC w.b in d Final. #VILvLIV
— ABDUH (@abdullahnawawi) April 28, 2016
People not considering idea Sturridge might have been injured are really stupid #lfc — hesham LFC (@hesham91lfc) April 28, 2016
I really don’t know why Klopp didn’t start Sturridge tonight, should have played him then rest him over the weekend. We needed a goal
— Mr Daniels LFC #MGWV (@Engrtupaye5) April 28, 2016
Very angry with that result. Klopp messed up. Why take coutinho off early. Wtf with benteke sub also. Why no sturridge also. — Kevin Flynn (@kevinflynn1) April 28, 2016
People still don’t understand that Sturridge can’t play every game. If anything Klopp saved him from injury tonight. Klopp is smart.#LFC
— Christopher Bramlet (@Chrisbramlet) April 28, 2016
Loads of people saying “if they score x we’ll need to score y” and other doomy gloomy stuff. What if we score 9? — Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) April 28, 2016
Coutinho, Sturridge will play in second leg…another special night waiting…
— Suresh shyolan (@sureshpratapsin) April 28, 2016
We’re miles better than that lot. Get Sturridge, Cout, Firm and Lallana starting, let’s do em — Hayden Tregidgo (@haydentregidgo) April 28, 2016
Why are people overreacting to Sturridge not being brought on? I’m seeing people claim it’s a back room fallout. No.
— EC (@MajesticEmre) April 28, 2016
Origi is not better than Sturridge. What am I hearing on Talk Sport. Jason Cundy just trying to get callers. — Liam Shaw (@liamshaw95) April 28, 2016
If Firmino, Coutinho and Sturridge start in the 2nd leg can’t see them keeping a clean sheet. Villareal have also picked up injuries. #LFC
— Profondo Rosso (@Pounds_Sterling) April 28, 2016