Liverpool were knocked out of the league cup after losing to Leicester City 2-0. And, it was an all too common sight for Liverpool supporters. This game was a very familiar sight and the same theme that has plagued the club was apparent once again. The only difference was this time, Jurgen Klopp was fed up and spoke out against it.
The game started out good enough with Liverpool dominating the opening half. Both sides used the Carabao Cup match as an opportunity to rotate the rosters and give opportunities to players who haven't had significant roles thus far. Liverpool only played a few "regulars." One of them, Philippe Coutinho, was the best player on the pitch in the first half. His creativity was apparent throughout the half and perhaps only his shot continues to need the rust knocked off of it. Coutinho often linked up with Andy Robertson who time and time again found plenty of open space down the left side. Coutinho and Robertson played the ball between them sharing the ball with each other and providing space to operate. The person who benefited the most from their play was forward Dominic Solanke.
After their link-ups, Robertson on several occasions was able to deliver tasteful crosses right past the net. On two of their best chances, Robertson played a ball just beyond the reach of Solanke and then later that was deflected by a defender and narrowly being out of reach from Coutinho.
Despite their dominance, Liverpool were unable to score in the first half and the teams returned to the dressing room deadlocked at zero.
To start the second half, Klopp removed Philippe Coutinho in favor or Ben Woodburn. And, Liverpool never were able to get back the form or dominance they enjoyed in the first half. Play evened out and that is when Liverpool's greatest weakness revealed itself again. Defense.
And not just shaky defense, but again weak set-piece defense. The beneficiary was Okazaki who drilled home the first goal of the game. Danny Ward didn't have a chance on this as his defense let him down, an all too familiar even for Liverpool keepers. After the goal, Leicester improved with the confidence while Liverpool appeared to fade away.
Slimani made it 2-0 for the Foxes which is how the game ended. On his goal, Liverpool appeared uninterested in defending. He was able to make his way past a few Reds defenders before finding himself in on net for a shot and goal.
Granted, clubs don't place the importance on the Carabao Cup as other competitions. But it still was an opportunity to win hardware. An opportunity that was wasted. Perhaps in the long run it will be better for Liverpool as And when Philippe Coutinho was removed at the half in a game that seemed there for the taking, it appeared Klopp wasn't very interested in the hardware. However, after the game Klopp was clearly angered.
Thus far this season, as critics everywhere have pointed to the poor defensive play, Klopp has stood by his defenders and provided excuse after excuse. Tonight, he had had enough. "I don't think teams shoot a lot against us. We defend really well in a lot of moments and then this."
This, is defensive let downs. And that is the reoccurring them for Jurgen Klopp's defenders. They play well most of the game and limit the oppositions chances. But, the few chances that are given are turned into goals at an alarming rate. The reason is their let downs are so great that the opposition gets one or two easy scoring chances every game. That is not a recipe for success.
"I am sick of goals like this," Klopp said. At least Liverpool supporters can take solace in that.......Klopp is finally at the point supporters have been at for some time. He is done making excuses for them. He is done defending them.
The question that remains though.......Is there anything Klopp can do before the next transfer window to change the defensive issues?