The definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
A cliché, yes, but that doesn’t make it any less accurate. Certainly not in the case of Jurgen Klopp and this increasingly-bewildered Liverpool team.
A starting line-up showing just one alteration – and an enforced one at that – from the lucky FA Cup escape at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers was asked to quell a vibrant Brighton and Hove Albion and rekindle hopes of Champions League qualification.
AS IT HAPPENED: Brighton vs Liverpool LIVE
LFC RATINGS: Henderson and others absolutely dreadful in new low
It was undoubtedly an invitation for a response from his underperforming players. But what Liverpool supporters feared – and have seen for much of the campaign – was glaringly apparent almost from the first whistle.
Klopp’s misguided faith was rewarded with a new low in a season that continues to underline the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid last May now represents an ending for his squad.
Yes, there was a subtle change in terms of the positioning in midfield, Thiago Alcantara employed in a more advanced role in an attempt to pressure Brighton into a mistake high up the pitch.
But it served only to render the Spaniard irrelevant for the most part, while both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, paired together as a defensive shield, did little to quell the waves of home attacks.
Liverpool had just 35% of the possession in the first half, a figure they barely improved after the break. Brighton, who have been enjoying a fine campaign, were better than the Reds in every department. And all this without the outcast Leandro Trossard, whose hat-trick had earned the Seagulls a 3-3 draw at Anfield back on October.
As with Wolves last week, Brighton were far more successful in the aspects of the game that had long been Liverpool’s trademark under Klopp. Those days, though, are now increasingly rare.
Klopp admitted before the game that the inevitable physical and mental exhaustion of going for the quadruple last season was having a negative effect on his players. Indeed, they would perhaps probably have instead preferred scraping into the top four and an earlier exit in the Champions League if it meant avoiding what has since transpired.
Come full-time, the Brighton supporters were oleing their side as the away fans who remained mustered brief enthusiasm for the thoroughly beaten Reds.
Make no mistake, this was an embarrassment. Half the season remains, but change has to come. Now. Before it is too late.
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