Wasn't expecting much but still got pissed off at the ref. Two shocking challenges that could be argued as red card offences in the first half; Rudiger lunging in two footed and Nacho diving in with studs showing, straight leg and above the ball. Not even a free kick given for either. Yet every single niggle given against us. Loads of short pulling against us let go too.
He did actually give a foul for the defender being all over Mo when he's trying to receive the ball with his back to goal - a concept that doesn't seem to have occurred to PL refs.
Can't say I'm a big fan of Real Madrid they've been our nemesis but how many teams can say that? Class from them tonight but a bit confusing when they played YNWA at the end but there's been some nice moments between the clubs and fans over the 2 games. Hopefully sometime soon we can actually beat them.
In a very limited way we tried our best. VVD actually looked like he gave a toss for once. Konate, milner and alisson played really well. Robbo, he was functional. he couldn't really get forward but he did his job in a quiet under pressure way. Nobody shirked the attempt to work hard but they were just not at the aces and couldn't get close to them most of the night. Jota got another run about. He's so far off the level compared to even where he was when he came back pre world cup that he just needs a lot of work. It is what it is. theres no rhyme nor reason to how we are going out to games cos theres no consistency in selection due to many issues. hopefully we can lock down the front 3 and back 5 for the few remaining league games and then find some midfield that can front up.
People who just play badly don't get a special mention. If you've nothing nice to say once you've clamed down better say nowt. Real nearly ran out of footballs from all the frostbite suffered from his set pieces.
For a team that badly needed to play with intent and score several goals, it takes incredible skill and ability to not even look remotely like scoring. This is a team low on confidence, and full of anxiety and fear. Second guessing every move, nothing is quick or instinctive anymore. A team that is old and stale, which failed to adapt to this season. Going into this season, there was a lot of back slapping and maybe an arrogance due to the success of last season, but we took our eye off the ball and failed to improve. We played our last CL of the season but unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if it's the last for some years unless we get back to spending wisely (£100m on Gakpo and Darwin may prove to be fruitful in future but right now, they haven't improved us as a team), and Klopp starts becoming ruthless with the squad and somehow finds a way to motivate these players because I do fear that they have mentally checked out. We went from mentality monsters to now being fragile. Going down a goal means we have pretty much lost - not even draw, but lost.
Well if nothing else Klopp must take note of Trent's poor defending ability.Has he now become a luxury we carry just for his ball delivery?
