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F.K. Red Star Belgrade vs Liverpool F.C. – Post Match Thoughts

Ben Green

Liverpool fell to a shock defeat at the Rajko Mitic Stadium last night after a brace from Milan Pavkov proved too big a gap to bridge. After watching this match, I’d say stunned is more appropriate. That would even describe the Reds following this 2-0 wake up.

Overview

I don’t believe many, of any Liverpool fans saw this coming. More worryingly, neither did the players judging by their performance. Frankly Red Star done a number on the Reds. It was clear the hosts had done their homework on their visitors. They obviously feel home form is their main advantage in this competition. How far it’ll take them, we can’t say after this performance. However, they won three points last night and in fairness, they were well deserved.

Notable changes were the reinstatement of Adam Lallana who is as much use as an umbrella made from a string vest. Hence his substitution on 79 minutes was inevitable. His replacement simply demonstrated the elephant in the room, or the team if you want to see it that way. Divock Origi is simply out of his depth and confirms the dearth of attacking quality in this current Liverpool squad barring the main three.

Standout Performances

Daniel Sturridge started in place of Roberto Firmino and was substituted at half time. Presumably for fluffing a golden opportunity early on – missing from five yards. What Jürgen Klopp’s excuse was for keeping Lallana on for a further 35 minutes, only Jesus H. Christ knows.

I can’t remember any standout performances in the positive sense. The front three struggled for time and space against a motivated and organised opponent. Mo Salah had a couple of chances in the second half but other than him, Sadio Mané, Firmino and Sturridge were all pretty ineffective. Divock Origi, well he seems to be doing his best to play himself out of the club at the next opportunity.

The defence didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory either. Both Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk did well going forward but that wasn’t much use considering they’re both defenders. I didn’t notice Joel Matip was playing if I’m honest.

In all two things ultimately cost Liverpool last night and could potentially deny them qualification. The first was simply how sloppy they were in possession. So often they needlessly gave the ball away in midfield and this led to both goals. The first to a converted corner, the second, a thunderous drive that Alisson couldn’t do that much about.

We could always ask whether Saturday’s match against Arsenal took the wind out of Liverpool’s sails but I don’t buy that. They should have done better in this game. No question.

The second area that let Liverpool down was their decision-making. Not just in attack but also in midfield. In the second half more so. The visitors must have had 75% of the possession in this game and yet they came out empty-handed.

Time and again, simple passes we’re ignored for something intricate or the ball was needlessly pumped into the box in hope that something would come of it.

Klopp was furious on many occasions but he has to shoulder some of the blame for this one. His team selection stank of complacency. Bringing in Matip. Persevering with Lallana.

“we will go for the other two games 100 per cent. We all have to deal with it now.” Klopp post-match.

He got that right. Liverpool needed to win tonight and this could well be a pivotal point in their season. An away game at Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli at Anfield. Not exactly the last two games you need to add pressure to.

Overall

A win would have put the Reds clear at the top of group C and in the driving seat. Now they have it all to do. Thoroughly disappointing. The whole team let themselves down. A very bad day at the office.

This is a wake up call. I hope this has the same effect as the Tottenham game last season. After which, the team went on a good run of results.

Summary

Liverpool host Fulham at the weekend, and need to put in a much better performance than this if they’re to get anything from that. This is getting to the point of the season where we’ll see what this Reds team is made of. Right now, the heat is on in the kitchen. The question is: can they stand it?

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Ben Green

Avid LFC supporter for 50 of his 53 years. Seen it all, ups and the downs. Now praying for a return to winning ways. Whichever way it comes!

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