Jamie Carragher picks out ‘the only consolation’ for Liverpool after dismal defeat by Atalanta

Jamie Carragher has picked out one consolation for Liverpool after their dismal defeat by Atalanta.

On Thursday night, Liverpool resumed their quest for the Europa League title as they welcomed Serie A side Atalanta to Anfield.

Heading into the match, many felt the Reds would be too good for the visitors.

However, Liverpool produced a horrible performance as they crumbled under pressure again, just like they did against Manchester United last weekend.

In the end, Atalanta came away 3-0 winners thanks to a brace by Gianluca Scamacca and a goal from Mario Pasalic.

Liverpool will need to produce one of their greatest-ever European comebacks if they are to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Immediately after the final whistle, former Liverpool defender Carragher took to social media to outline one positive from a dreadful night at Anfield.

He wrote: “Awful result & performance from Liverpool, the only consolation about getting beat so heavily is Jurgen should play a full second string in the second leg & go all in for the league!”

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table but trail on goal difference.

Speaking after the match, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said: “It’s not great and a very disappointing evening of course. Too many individual mistakes, which we got punished for.

“We can’t dwell on it. In three days we play again. From tomorrow, we have to switch it back on to getting a result.”

The Dutchman added: “If you don’t have belief, there’s no point in going to Italy.”

Before heading to Italy next week, Liverpool will now have to switch their focus back to the Premier League as they host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Sunday afternoon in what is a must-win game if they are serious about winning the title.