Jurgen Klopp claimed not to know what to expect from his maddeningly inconsistent Liverpool team ahead of their latest trip to the Etihad.
But there can have been few regular observers surprised by what ultimately transpired as a tortuous campaign slumped to yet another new low.
The Reds boss had discussed “all these kind of faces” shown by his side this season, but the gloomy look on the few supporters who stoically remained in the away end after the final whistle should be the one now seared on the minds of the resoundingly-beaten Liverpool players.
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However, it was another Klopp comment from Friday that should resonate most among his squad: “If you can only perform when everything is going in your direction, then there’s absolutely no chance.” And that was glaringly obvious here as Liverpool demonstrated the lack of backbone and courage that has become all too prevalent in recent times.
It had started well enough, with the Reds showing the kind of bite and aggression that has been too often missing from their game, Mohamed Salah’s brilliantly-taken opener giving them a platform on which to build.
But from the moment Julian Alvarez put the finishing touch to a trademark City move to equalise 10 minutes later, the seeds of doubt were sown in the Liverpool psyche. And, this season, that has usually proven enough to prompt a capitulation.
Indeed, how the Reds fell apart at the start of the second half echoed their chastening Champions League thrashing at home to Real Madrid in February, their seeming willingness to throw in the towel alarming even against a team of City’s calibre.
Liverpool had just four attempts at goal – their lowest total in a Premier League game under Klopp. City had 77% possession after the break. And all this without the injured Erling Haaland. Klopp was right to later admit his team were lucky to get away with conceding only four.
The reality is this game was never going to be decisive for Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification. Yes, the duo have gone toe-to-toe for several years and the Reds have beaten City twice already this season.
But such is Liverpool’s poor away record this season – even allowing for their admittedly impressive showings against the top six – anything other than a loss would have been a bonus at the start of a week that Klopp believes will shape the remainder of the campaign. There’s a reason there are now 22 points between the teams.
Nevertheless, the manner of this defeat was the worst possible. Klopp and his players will know this was unforgivable.
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