Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool succumbed to their third consecutive league defeat on Saturday, February 13, after Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City inflicted a 3-1 loss over the Reds. Overall, Jurgen Klopp's team has won just three matches in the previous 12 matches in all competitions.
Speaking after the game, Liverpool manager conceded that the title race is well and truly over given that the Reds are now 13 points adrift of leaders Manchester City. "Yes. I can't believe, but yes," said a despairing Klopp.
Klopp is actually broken. This is so sad to see. pic.twitter.com/ZTZtM78nW3
— Nasir (@LFCNxsir) February 13, 2021
"I don't think we can close the gap this year, to be honest. We have to win football games, and a large part of our game today was very good. What we need to try to avoid are mistakes and misunderstandings."
Liverpool had broken the deadlock against the Foxes at King Power Stadium through Mohamed Salah. Rodgers' men, however, bounced to claim a 3-1 victory, with James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes getting on the scoresheet.
Klopp has been asked about Liverpool's title defence so many times in the past, but the German had always looked confident while responding. On Saturday though, the 53-year-old looked heartbroken and seemed like he was about to burst into tears. The German manager has gone through a lot of personal grief in the week, and the fans and the experts have called in for empathy during this difficult period for the mindful tactician.
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United has always pushed both clubs to do better and I enjoy it but right now they have a manager who cannot even attend his own mother’s funeral. Jurgen Klopp deserves nothing but compassion and genuinely hope the man is okay.
— Anne-Marie Dray (@Anna__Dray) February 14, 2021
I refuse to believe there’s a single Liverpool fan with a brain cell who thinks Jurgen Klopp is anything other than imperative to Liverpool Football Club.
— Adam Rowe (@adamrowecomedy) February 13, 2021
It was sad watching Jurgen Klopp today. Losing your mum and not being allowed to travel to pay your last respects is heartbreaking (same happened to a good friend of mine due to covid) And then having to keep working at this level of intensity. He needs one of his big bear hugs.
— Reshmin Chowdhury (@ReshminTV) February 13, 2021
Will go to War to defend the honor of Jurgen Klopp.
— Siffat Salah (@centeristynwa) February 13, 2021
No Klopp slander will be tolerated .
Period.
Juügen Klopp couldn’t see his mum when she was sick, he couldn’t attend her funeral. He should be allowed to take time off now, he needs it. He’s mourning. At the least, he shouldn’t be doing press conferences or post match interviews. Give him a break. it’s only football @LFC
— asifkapadia (@asifkapadia) February 13, 2021
Jürgen Klopp is without doubt the best thing that has happened to Liverpool in recent history. I wouldn’t swap anyone in the world for him. It is heartbreaking seeing what he is going through. Sending love, strength and one of his big hugs to him. Family is everything. ❤️
— Paul Dalglish (@DalglishPaul) February 13, 2021
Klopp’s brought so much joy and excitement to English football with his passion, energy and the excellence of his #lfc teams. His champions are vulnerable, the title is gone. His mother’s just passed away. Klopp’s allowed to be emotional. He deserves some slack and some respect.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) February 13, 2021
If you're a Liverpool fan questioning whether Jurgen Klopp is still the right manager, sort your head out! Losing isn't fun but if you can't see what that man has done for the club... Criticise his decisions, be emotional in defeat, but have some perspective, please! #LFC
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) February 13, 2021
