Jurgen Klopp has criticised the performance of Liverpool after their 2-2 draw away to Fulham in the 12:30 kick-off fixture, on the Premier League's opening weekend, and said the dry pitch played a role in the result
Fulham's goal machine, Aleksander Mitrovic, put the home side ahead at Craven Cottage in the first-half, as Fulham managed to hold out until the 64th minute. Darwin Nunez, who caused havoc off the bench, was then rewarded for his tenacity and grabbed Liverpool's equalising goal with a poacher's finish.
Mitrovic put his side ahead just eight minutes later after converting a penalty he won himself. Mohammad Salah then continued his fine record of opening game goals as he grabbed Liverpool's second, in the 80th minute.
Jurgen Klopp Blasts Liverpool Performance
Despite snatching a draw after it appeared a loss was on its way, Klopp, knowing the extremely high standards of his Premier League rivals, was strong in his criticism of his team's showing.
The best thing about the game was the result. We got a point from a really bad game from my side. The attitude wasn't right in the beginning. We didn't deserve more. The performance needs massive improvement. We did the opposite of what we wanted to do. The result wasn't about the referee."
"We could have won the game because we had good chances but it was probably a bit too much today."
"We tried to react after 15 minutes. The pitch was dry, stuff like this. Really difficult."
Speaking to Scandinavian broadcaster, Klopp elaborated a bit on what he meant with his issue with the dry pitch.
Klopp: "We played into their press on a dry pitch. That is how it is. It was not smart from us." #lfc [viaplay]
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) August 6, 2022
The match was played in beautiful West London sunshine, on a very hard surface. The comment has been seized upon, perhaps rationally, as Fulham could play crisper and more adventurous football on the hard ground.
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Liverpool play their second game of the season against Crystal Palace, whom Arsenal defeated 2-0 yesterday, on Monday the 15th, and will look to carry their second half performance into the game, while Darwin Nunez will be pushing hard for a place in the starting XI after an impressive cameo off the bench today.
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