Jurgen Klopp has conceded that Liverpool’s unexpected 4-3 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup has been a catalyst for the team’s recent decline in form.
With the Carabao Cup already secured in February, Liverpool had been eyeing a potential quadruple under Klopp’s stewardship as they approached the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United in mid-March. Despite their dominance with 25 shots on goal and controlling large portions of the game, Liverpool suffered a dramatic loss in extra time, conceding a 122nd-minute winner to Amad Diallo of Manchester United.
Since that setback, Liverpool’s performances both domestically and in Europe have noticeably deteriorated, with the team now enduring a three-game winless streak in all competitions.
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Reflecting on their recent struggles after a week which saw a draw with Manchester United, a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League, and a shocking loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Klopp pointed to the impact of their defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup.
“I think the issue lies partly in how we handled the [Manchester] United matches, particularly,” Klopp admitted. “Losing the cup tie was a blow because we played so well and still lost. Then drawing against them [in the league], despite playing well for long spells, was also frustrating. Although that’s not directly related to our recent form, it has lingered in our minds.
“The problems we faced against United were different from those we encountered today. While the goals we conceded today were too easy, it’s a broader issue that needs addressing.”
Liverpool’s recent results have seen them relinquish control of the Premier League title race to Manchester City, who now hold a two-point lead at the top of the table with six weeks remaining in the season.