Turn off the camera: Klopp's 'Last Dance' turns into a proper nightmare
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 25.04.24. | 10:31
Kicked out of the Europa League and now distanced from the Premier League title race, the Reds are going through dreadful times in the worst possible moment
It could have been a Netflix documentary worth ending of a nine-year spell at Anfield that affected modern football in so many ways.
Alas, it will end bitterly, in despair and dejection.
Jurgen Klopp and millions of Liverpool fans were probably dreaming of a fairytale farewell embellished with at least one big, important trophy; why not the Treble itself? Even Quadruple!
Unfortunately for them, Klopp's 'Last Dance' at the helm of the Reds has taken a sudden, disappointing U-turn in the worst possible moment. Until mid-April, everything seemed promising, and Liverpool were among the top contenders for the Premier League title and the Europa League trophy.
However, firstly, that shocking 3-0 home loss to Atalanta tarnished until-then the perfect winning aura surrounding the mythical Anfield. There was no Liverpool-esque magic in the return leg, as Salah's early goal from the spot remained the Scousers' only hit of the night.
Europe was gone, but pundits were almost unanimous in the conclusion that Klopp's lot would benefit from that exit, as they could now focus solely on the EPL title quest.
That scenario, however, didn't last for long as Crystal Palace stunned the home crowd at Anfield with a 1-0 win, and - along with the previous draw against Manchester United - it pushed Liverpool to the brink of the abyss.
Sean Dyche set them up a date with sorrowful destiny.
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A shocking 2-0 defeat to the Toffees at Goodison Park on Wednesday night basically ruined those last glimpses of hope that the Reds would say bye to the German boss with a Premier League crown.
They are now three points behind Arsenal and only two above Manchester City, with two games in hand (one tonight at Brighton).
"You lost the league at Goodison Park," crowed the jubilant home crowd as Everton celebrated their first home win over Liverpool since October 2010.
"I think everyone has to ask if they really gave everything and if they really want to win the league?" said captain Virgil van Dijk, who bemoaned Liverpool for "not winning challenges" and wasting chances "we should have scored from".
Whatever happens, as The Athletic accurately concludes, Klopp's Anfield legacy is secure.
"He has been the most transformative figure in the club's history since Bill Shankly. He is still guaranteed the warmest of send-offs next month, but his remarkable reign seems destined to have a decidedly underwhelming finale."
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 29
Tuesday
Arsenal - Chelsea 5-0 (1-0)
/Trossard 4, White 52, 70, Havertz 57, 65/
Wednesday
Wolverhampton - Bournemouth 0-1 (0-1)
/Semenyo 37/
Man. Utd. - Sheffield Utd 4-2 (1-1)
/Maguire 42, Fernandes 61 pen, 81, Hojlund 85 - Bogle 35, Brereton Diaz 50/
Everton - Liverpool 2-0 (1-0)
/Branthwaite 28, Calvert-Lewin 58/
Crystal Palace - Newcastle 2-0 (0-0)
/Mateta 55, 88/
Thursday
22:00: (7.00) Brighton (4.50) Man.City (1.45)
***odds are subject to change***
