Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti claimed the “scream of Maradona” would be heard back at Anfield, such was the bubbling home excitement ahead of this Champions League showdown.
By half-time, though, the most prominent sounds were the howls of anguish drifting south from Merseyside after Liverpool supporters witnessed an absolute horror show here at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
What had been hinted at during a fitful start to the Premier League campaign was painfully exposed in devastating fashion by Napoli.
AS IT HAPPENED: Look back on our live updates of Liverpool's defeat away to Napoli
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Liverpool are suffering an almighty hangover from last season’s heroic efforts that seemingly nothing can shift.
Some of the issues are obvious, not least the injuries that have robbed Jurgen Klopp of several key, younger players and severely limited midfield options, along with the planned reconfiguring of the attack.
But that can’t explain the downright awful individual performances and complete lack of defensive organisation that allowed Napoli to seemingly score at will before the break.
Every team has an Achilles heel, no matter how good, and at present Liverpool are finding it very difficult to cope with counter-attacks and runners from midfield. That is as much a tactical as personnel failing of which Klopp will surely be aware.
Of course, better Liverpool teams than this available iteration have been beaten here in the opening away group game in both 2018 and 2019. Both seasons ended with significant silverware.
However, it is the manner of this latest loss that is so concerning. Where were the mentality monsters that only last week came from behind to beat Newcastle United?
While simplistic to term this a match that underlined the difference between a young, vibrant, in-form side and an ageing, tired, off-colour one, it isn’t far removed from the truth. Only after they had fallen four goals behind did the Reds show any sense of purpose, conviction and, yes, belief.
Klopp won’t react by overly wielding the axe. He simply hasn’t got the options to do that, but there will be some genuine soul-searching, both individually and collectively.
And with five more games to go in this group – and this always going to be the Reds’ toughest assignment – the defeat is hardly terminal.
So much, then, for the usually welcoming embrace of the Champions League offering Liverpool some relief from questions back home. They’re now only going to sound even louder. What a dismal night.
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