Liverpool put in perhaps their worst performance under Jurgen Klopp this evening against Atalanta.
The Reds had been heavy favourites going into the Europa League quarter-final at Anfield. However, they just never got out of the traps. Unbelievably, they were smashed 3-0 by the Italians.
Klopp and his players have an awful lot to answer for after putting in a quite disgraceful display. And it wasn’t just those out on the pitch who have to look in the mirror this evening. The fans in the stands simply never turned up either.
It hadn’t been expected to be, but it now looks like being the final European tie at Anfield under Klopp’s tenure.
And as per journalist Ian Doyle on X, the manager was seen remonstrating with the home crowd after seeing the second goal go in.
What did Jurgen Klopp do to the Anfield crowd
Things just weren’t right from the start at Anfield. Prior to the game, there was talk of a protest over the rising ticket prices.
And while that is an admirable stance to take, perhaps this was not the best time to do that. From the get go, the atmosphere was completely flat.
Of course, the players have to do more to give the crowd something to shout about. But they also feed off their fans on nights like this. That was never there tonight.
And after Gianluca Scamacca fired Atalanta two goals up, Doyle spotted Klopp attempting to gee up the main stand behind him.
“Klopp turns to the Main Stand and urges them to raise the volume,” writes the journalist. “About four people respond. Lots of disinterested LFC fans this evening.”
What exactly was going on at the famous old stadium tonight. A strange, strange evening.
Liverpool set to bow out of Europe
It would be a brave Liverpool fan to bet that we’ll see the Reds run out at Anfield under Klopp again. There’s an absolute mountain for them to climb in Italy.
On the back of that performance, the Reds have pretty much zero chance of progression. Atalanta absolutely had their number all evening.
Things will no doubt be better at Anfield for Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace. But that won’t help them here.
So many regrets for Liverpool on a night where they could afford few. Desperately poor.