LIVERPOOL MANAGER Jurgen Klopp has said his team was unable to perform at optimal level against Leicester City on Wednesday because the Anfield pitch was filled with snow.
Liverpool are currently topping the 2018/19 EPL chart with 61 points from 24 games, five points away from second-placed Manchester City (56).
Klopp’s men started their home game in high spirits after Sadio Mane’s explosive third-minute goal. It was an outcome of an awe-inspiring 30-pass move.
However, the joy was short-lived. Leicester City’s Harry Maguire equalized at half time after The Reds failed to convert a free-kick carelessly conceded by Andrew Robertson.
Klopp believes the “errors” and “disappointing result” were unavoidable due to the condition of their pitch which made quick passing impossible.
‘It was clear for everyone to see that the ball could hardly roll on the pitch,’ Klopp said at a press briefing. ‘My players were frustrated with the snow…It was more so because they had the ball around 80% of the time but couldn’t create or utilize chances—it makes life really uncomfortable.’
The German also expressed disappointment that his team was denied a spot-kick after Ricardo Pereira fouled Naby Keita in the second half.
‘It is agreeable that there could have been a penalty—maybe should have been a penalty…I don’t know why it was not given,’ said the Liverpool boss. He reserved negative comments about the match officials.
Liverpool employees were seen clearing snow in Leicester City’s half, the area where he expected non-stop attacking football.
Klopp continued, ‘The only problem is the snow…It stayed on the pitch and that actually undermined our performance…In the end, it’s somehow satisfying that we progressed with one point though it’s not the result we wanted. There are still many games to play and everything is fine.’
Liverpool could have moved 7 points clear if they had beaten Leicester City, a team that recently lost three league and cup games.
