Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has shared his thoughts on the Reds' 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday, April 21. He especially pointed out how Jurgen Klopp was uncharacteristically subdued during the game.
The Merseysiders came into the clash on the back of a disappointing week. They lost 1-0 at home against Crystal Palace in the league. They then bowed out of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, losing 3-1 against Atalanta on aggregate.
Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool the lead in the 32nd minute via a direct free kick. Timothy Castagne equalised for Fulham in the first-half stoppage time. Ryan Gravenberch (53') and Diogo Jota (72') then helped secure all three points for the Reds.
After the game, Steve Nicol pointed out how Klopp was very quiet on the sidelines, saying (via Give Me Sport):
“In open play, they’re just not quite as sharp and as good as they’ve been, certainly in the first half of the season. And there’s another thing that stuck out to me – Klopp was very quiet.
"They go ahead, and then it’s one a piece, and then they come in at half-time, and then the second half starts and it’s kind of more of the same. Yes, they’re on top, but they’re really not getting anywhere. And he sat down. I just found it really strange that he wasn’t a lot more demonstrative.”
Klopp had announced earlier this year that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, saying that he was running out of energy.
Liverpool's remaining Premier League fixtures
The Reds have already won the Carabao Cup this season but bowed out of the FA Cup and the Europa League. They just have the Premier League to compete in now. They sit second, level on points with leaders Arsenal but behind on goal difference. Meanwhile, Manchester City are a further point behind the duo with a game in hand.
Liverpool have just five games remaining until the end of the season and will likely have to be perfect to have a chance of winning the league. They will next compete in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday, April 24.
They will then face West Ham United away before hosting Tottenham Hotspur. They will then face fourth-placed Aston Villa at Villa Park before ending their season against Wolverhampton Wanderers at home.