Genk were plucky yesterday, but no more – and in the end – the 4-1 victory in Belgium didn’t flatter Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
Their manager Felice Mazzu praised his team’s work ethic, but rightly suggested his players couldn’t afford to switch off in the manner they did for the early goal.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored once in the first-half, but it was his sublime second that ended Genk’s threat and for the final 15 minutes Liverpool were in cruise control.
“This is the second time this season that we conceded very early. That’s what happened in Salzburg (a 6-2 defeat on matchday one) and this time again,” Mazzu told RTBF.
“Against a team like Liverpool, who are of an exceptional level, it is necessary to stick to the letter.
“After we played as a good team during the first half in my opinion. We created more opportunities than Liverpool, and even scored a goal, eventually cancelled for an offside position. We were doing well.”
At Anfield in two weeks’ time, we’ll be very surprised if Liverpool don’t win – and win easily. In fact, it might even be an opportunity for Klopp to rest one of the front-three.
After Genk on Tuesday 5th November, it’s Manchester City the following weekend – so although we need a win – the boss will undoubtedly have one eye on the biggest Premier League fixture of the campaign.
Before then we have a home fixture with Spurs, before hosting Arsenal in the EFL Cup and travelling to Aston Villa in the PL.