Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with his side’s performance in their 3-2 loss to Ligue 1 side Toulouse in their Europa League group stage clash this evening.
The German manager believes his players were not aggressive against the team that sits 14th in Ligue 1.
Klopp’s football requires heavy pressing and players to win the duels, and they were not up to par.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister won only three of his 13 duels, while Wataru Endo won only two of his eight duels. Ben Doak won five out of 11 and Cody Gakpo won two out of 12.
The Reds needed more aggression against a Toulouse side buoyed by their home fans and Liverpool came up short.
The match was also not without its VAR controversy, as the technology ruled out a late equaliser from Jarell Quansah after a handball from Mac Allister in the build-up.
“We were not aggressive enough,” Klopp said after the game (via TNT Sports).
“They won all the decisive battles and challenges. We gave the ball away so easily. With all the possession we had, we could have and should have created more.
“You cannot come here and concede three goals. That makes no sense. They fought harder and were more aggressive than us, so they deserved it.”
Klopp added that he believes his team should have scored a third goal and that they did.
“I think it’s a goal,” he commented. “100% a goal. First of all, it is really long ago. It’s a tricky situation. I am not even sure the ball touched his hand.”
Liverpool have missed out on a chance to qualify for the next round of the Europa League with two games to spare, but they still top group E and will hope to secure their spot against LASK on November 30.
They will now turn their attention to this weekend’s Premier League clash against Brentford as they look to bounce back from the shock defeat.
