Lessons Learned Following Liverpool’s Europa League Elimination | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Europa League Elimination: Lessons Learned

Well Jurgen Klopp’s final European game ends with somewhat of a whimper. It looked like something might be possible early on, but in truth the fact Liverpool had one shot on target in the second half said it all. We haven’t scored from open play in the last four games and truth be told, we could have played another 90 minutes and it would likely have been the same. 62% possession counted for little in the end and there was feeling of sadness by the close. We look at the lessons learned from Bergamo as a one goal win just wasn’t enough and Atalanta more than deserved to go through.

Klopp Well and Truly Outfoxed

It wasn’t as bad as the first leg, but the second period felt just as bad. Gasperini well and truly outwitted his counterpart in the two legs and Liverpool just couldn’t get anything going in the second half. Atalanta pushed high and went man for man to which Liverpool responded by slowing it down and passing it slowly at the back.

The fact Allisson had the most touches said it all. The subs just seemed to make it worse and by the end everyone was looking to a team mate for some inspiration. For all the great European nights the man has brought us, it was sad to see it end this way. Two shots on goal in the second half when chasing a European tie in the second leg. Sad.

Photo: IMAGO

Trent The Real Positive

He tired badly along with his team mates, but that was to be expected as it was his first start for months. The Scouser in the team was controlling everything though in the first half and won Liverpool the penalty early doors. Trent was everywhere and his stats told the story with the most passes completed (36), most recoveries made (8), most dribbles completed (2) and most tackles won. Liverpool looked a different proposition with him in the team and if we’re going to retrieve anything from this season then he’ll be central to it.

Salah Sadness

His form now is something of a worry and the focus can’t always be on other forwards. He scored the penalty early doors and there were a few nice touches and turns early doors. However, it was hard to feel anything but anger with the miss after he was out through by Cody Gakpo.

The keeper came out and helped make his mind out and it was on his left foot, but it was a terrible miss off his shin with zero excuse. Ask yourself what the reaction would be if Nunez had missed that. It was little surprise when he was taken off despite the circumstances and that maybe says it all about where he is right now.