Liverpool defeated 3-0 by lively Italian side at AnfieldKlopp: ‘We played a bad game … we deserved to lose’
Jürgen Klopp claimed Liverpool “lost the plot” in their shock Europa League quarter-final defeat by Atalanta but defended his decision to rest key players in the midst of a Premier League title race.
Liverpool were soundly beaten by Gian Piero Gasperini’s impressive visitors as they succumbed to a first defeat at Anfield since Real Madrid triumphed 5-2 in the Champions League 14 months ago. Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca scored twice to give Atalanta a deserved and comfortable lead to take into next Thursday’s second leg in Bergamo. Klopp admitted the Italians showed the tactical discipline that his team lacked on a rare off-night at Anfield.