Fulham 2-2 Liverpool: Jürgen Klopp says 'performance felt like a defeat' as Thiago injured hamstring | Football News

Jürgen Klopp admitted that Liverpool’s performance in a 2-2 draw with Fulham on the opening weekend of the Premier League season was a “defeat”, and the result was the highlight of the day.

Fulham have proven to be difficult opponents for Klopp’s side in recent years – the Cottages are now unbeaten in their last three top-flight matches – and Liverpool, with two goals from Alexander Mitrovic. I had to come back twice to cancel my appointment.

The Serbian striker, famously struggling for goals in the top division, showed no signs of a problem against the Reds and opened the campaign’s account in the 32nd minute.

Darwin Nunez canceled Fulham’s lead with a clever impromptu backheel just after the hour mark. However, Mitrovic’s penalty restored the home side’s advantage.

But not all was lost as Nunez set Salah up. Salah coolly scored an important equalizing goal for Liverpool with ten minutes remaining.

The Liverpool manager said afterwards: “The best thing about this match was the result. We got a point from a really bad game. It was a good result. I don’t think we deserve more than that. Performance could be significantly improved.”

“I could have won because I had chances, but I may have gone a little too far today.

“We started off in the exact opposite way we wanted. We had to break the line, but we played into their hands. We didn’t find a way into the game.

“We’re used to having the upper hand, but we didn’t have enough speed or accuracy to get it.

“We are happy with the punishment we received. We could have lost three points, but in the end we lost two.

“The performance was a defeat, but the result was not. We have to learn from what happened today, but I don’t want to take anything away from Fulham. They did really well. Got a point.

“It’s my responsibility to find out why we played really well against City.” [in the Community Shield] Then play a completely upside-down game 7 days later. It’s up to me to find out why. “

Klopp had a warning sign as Liverpool struggled to get going, putting together a string of passes early on and being caught in the break.

They have grown into the game, but that has been far from a subdued Reds performance.Fulham are completely different from the side that scored 10 goals in the first three Premier League games of 2020-21. I saw.

Liverpool’s frustrating afternoon was exacerbated when Thiago Alcantara grabbed the back of his left foot just six minutes into the second half and was sent off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Klopp denied the need to seek a midfield addition for the remainder of the summer transfer window, but added: The problem now is that we are being punished for things that are not our responsibility.

“Something like this can happen. There’s nothing we can do about this. Naby (Keita) is sick and will probably be back next week. (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain is out. I have a bad relationship with Thiago, but we’ll see how it goes.” The transfer must make sense now and in the long term.

“We still have eight midfielders, but only a few of them are injured at the moment. It’s not a good situation at all, but don’t panic. We’ll have to see how they react.”

Silva: Mitro is more than just goals

Fulham were worth their points.

Mitrovic has a striker and manager who have something to prove at this level. Because both have been unfairly dismissed as goals-scoring focal points among the elite.

Mitrovic regained the lead for Fulham from the penalty spot when Liverpool appeared to be pushing for a winner, and Silva was delighted with his overall contribution.

“Mitro is the top goalscorer for the national teams that go to the World Cup,” said the Fulham boss. “He was decisive in qualifying, unfortunately against Portugal, but Mitro has his own characteristics. It’s up to us to get the best out of him. He has to do both parts of the game. We have to, but we trust our philosophy.”

“We have to respect Liverpool, but of course we do our job and believe in ourselves. We played great in the first half. Control and blocking were almost perfect. In the second half. I matched them every time.”

“I know the quality of Mitrovic and I am here to get the best out of my players. the job is wonderful.

Since the start of last season, Mitrovic has scored 45 goals in English League football. That’s 16 more for him than any other player. In fact, he was the first player to score two goals for Huddersfield’s Steve Mooney on the opening day of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace in August 2017.

“For me, it doesn’t matter what people say about him,” added Silva. “The important thing is that I work with all the players. People have expressed what they love.” [about his record].

“We need to keep offering him chances in the box. Mitro is more than just a goalscorer for us. What he did without the ball was incredible. His press and help. He ran 30 or 40.” I’m really happy with him because he deserved it. “

Asked if the result felt like a win, Silva said: “No, it felt like a draw.

“If you ask if we deserve anything more than we do. Liverpool had more control of the game but our organization and a great first half meant we I think we meant to deserve this. We have great individual quality.

“For the first half, it was almost perfect. In the first half, sometimes we played 30 or 40 meters behind us. We matched them. Without the ball, they were really aggressive. And we matched.” from the beggining to the end.

“We’ve had a great season, so it’s important and you can feel it in the stadium. I told the fans to always play with us as the 12th player. And they said Great way to do it this afternoon. Good results.

“It would feel much better to get three points, but we showed the right attitude, the right dedication and drive from the first minute. For me the Premier League and, as you know, the world. It’s the hardest competition.”

“What Liverpool did against this country’s champions last weekend shows that we are ready to fight. We have to keep going.”

what’s next?

first time monday night football seasonal liverpool host crystal palace August 15. Coverage will begin at 7:00 pm prior to kick-off at 8:00 pm. sky sports.

Fulham go to Wolf Saturday, August 13th. Kick off at 3pm.