Klopp explains Liverpool’s mauling

Jurgen Klopp has explained how Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 by Mainz shortly after beating Barcelona.

The Reds slipped to a heavy defeat in Germany on Sunday, with the game kicking off mere hours after the 4-0 victory over Barcelona at Wembley had ended.

Klopp had planned to use two different line-ups for the friendlies, but injuries to Daniel Sturridge, Sheyi Ojo and James Milner forced alterations.

Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Alberto Moreno, Marko Grujic, Kevin Stewart, Gini Wijnaldum, Danny Ings, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino all featured in both friendlies, and the manager believes fatigue was a factor

“It wasn’t all that great for us,” Klopp admitted. “We were all aware this was going to be hard. Playing Barcelona the night before and then flying over, I knew some would be tired but we were looking forward to coming here.

“I also knew that we would have to play with two different teams otherwise it wouldn’t work.

“But there were a couple of reasons why we couldn’t go through with that plan of having two completely different teams.

“Some had to play in both games and they looked more tired than the others.

“This would probably explain some of the things we saw but that’s not an excuse.

“Mainz just seemed to want it more. They were more eager and deserved their win.

“The way we played wouldn’t win any match. It’s far away from the Liverpool I want to see and the Liverpool I’ve seen before.

“Some days you just have to accept what happens on the pitch.

“This team is actually on a good path but nobody could tell from this match.

“Unbelievably, there were still some things I actually liked. I can work with this match and make use of some things.”