Liverpool faced a humiliating defeat right at home in the hands of Italian side Atalanta – which ranks sixth position in Serie A – in the first leg of Europa League quarter finals match played in Anfield on Thursday. Atalanta dominated the match with a resounding 3-0 victory.
Despite Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s many outstanding saves, they couldn’t stop Atalanta’s relentless waves of attacks from resulting in goals.
Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic came close to scoring the opener early on, testing Kelleher with a powerful shot but it was Gianluca Scamacca who opened the floodgates of goals in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a perfect cross from Davide Zappacosta.
Liverpool’s defense was in disarray, allowing Scamacca to double Atalanta’s lead in the 60th minute, despite the introduction of great players like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
The collapse for Liverpool was completed when Dominik Szoboszlai‘s error led to Atalanta’s third goal, scored by Pasalic in the 84th minute.
Jurgen Klopp Takes Responsibility
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Manager, had no choice but to say the truth, admitting his side was “really bad” and taking responsibility for the colossal loss. Inspite of six changes he made from their previous match with Manchester United, Liverpool still failed to find its rhythm against a determined Atalanta side.
“Nothing positive to say about the game,” said Klopp. “They [Atalanta] 100 percent deserved it. It was a really bad game. I didn’t like our tactical discipline. We were everywhere. No counter press. I know the boys can play better football, but not tonight.
“We played a bad game. We deserved to lose. We must feel that now. But the boys have only this night to feel bad about it, then we have to build up again.
“Really well done Atalanta, that’s it. They are causing many teams problems. Man-marking is uncomfortable when you are not on top of your game. They defended us. We suffered from their way”.
Still self-critiquing, Klopp continued loquaciously, “When you lose a game then your changes are questionable, I get that 100 percent. I would do it the exact same way again. We have to make changes if we want to be good for the rest of the season.
“I am responsible for this result, I know that. But the decisions I would probably take again.”
What Next Now?
Atalanta’s tactical superiority and outstanding performance Thursday have left Liverpool’s hopes of Europa League title now hanging by a thread.
They will look to bounce back when they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday before traveling to Italy for the second leg of the quarter-final tie with Atalanta on Thursday next week. Atalanta itself will play Verona in Serie A before the crucial epic return leg with Liverpool.
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