Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explained why he "didn't want to" bring on one of his substitutes during Wednesday's Premier League defeat to Everton.
It was a night to forget for the Reds, who saw their title hopes fade at Goodison Park as goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned the home side a deserved derby win.
Liverpool now sit three points behind leaders Arsenal, while reigning champions Manchester City have two games in hand, with their next league game coming against Brighton.
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After the full-time whistle, Jurgen Klopp gave his take on the defeat. “Players who played all the games aren’t fresh but for other teams it is the same,” he said. “I don’t want to use that really as an excuse.
“As long as the boys are fit, like not injured, that helps. Gabriel and Saliba I think played all the games for Arsenal. Did they play a little bit less than us? I don’t even know, but they played a lot of games as well. But coming back from injury is then slightly different because intensity, the game is not waiting for you."
Liverpool were without Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, which meant a place on the bench for highly-rated teenager forward Jayden Danns, who has impressed in cup competitions this season.
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Klopp, however, opted against using the youngster – a decision he explained in his post-match interview.
“Upfront where it is a super intense job to do. Always high sprint, always go, go, go. The fact we can’t change there is difficult," he said.
“I know we had Dannsy [Jayden Danns] on the bench. I know that but in that physical game I didn’t want to. We didn’t know that we had to bring him in because the two situations.
“With Diogo, we only learned two days ago and Cody actually really only today. That’s not a game for an 18-year-old boy. Tarkowski and Branthwaite kill you in these situations and doesn’t help."
Jamie Carragher, who was on punditry duty for Sky Sports, believes Liverpool's title hopes are all but over after their latest slip up.
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"It's Everton's night. You have to give it to them. You have to accept that as a Liverpool fan," he said.
"This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end. They just have to make sure they finish the season strongly.
"They had enough chances in the game but at the moment they are not clinical enough in both boxes."
He added: "I don't think you can get too angry with the team or Jurgen Klopp. It's been a great ride and a great journey. But tonight is Everton's night and you have to take it on the chin."
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Premier League
