It was around 10pm on Saturday that James Milner emerged from the away dressing room at Selhurst Park and spoke to the journalists gathered underneath the Holmesdale Road Stand. His words were as cold as the south London air. “We have to be better, simple as that,” said the 37-year-old. “We take responsibility, there is no excuses about it.”
Trust Milner to front up, but really what else could he say after Liverpool’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, a game in which Jürgen Klopp’s men once again delivered a display bereft of confidence, cohesion, intensity or intent. It was a recovery of sorts following the midweek humbling by Real Madrid but not by much, and from Liverpool’s most experienced player came the clear message that the team has to stop feeling sorry for themselves if they are to glean anything from a season that promised so much but continues to be incredibly trying.
