sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Jurgen Klopp admits he felt Liverpool had been cursed after 'crazy' week of injuries: 'Like a WITCH was in the building'

Jurgen Klopp admits he felt Liverpool had been cursed after 'crazy' week of injuries: 'Like a WITCH was in the building'

Liverpool were without several key players for their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Anfield on Monday.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he felt like a "witch" had cursed his side in the build-up to their draw with Crystal Palace, after losing several more senior players to injury.

Liverpool were without Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino in attack for Monday's match at Anfield, while the Reds were also short in midfield with Thiago, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Curtis Jones sidelined.

Joel Matip was also ruled out late in the week, forcing Klopp to start Nat Phillips alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

Klopp's options were further limited when record signing Darwin Nunez was shown a straight red card for a head-butt on Joachim Andersen in the second-half of the match, after Wilfried Zaha had given Palace a shock lead on Merseyside.

But Liverpool fought back to secure a 1-1 draw thanks to a brilliant goal from Luis Diaz.

Klopp says he is proud of his players' efforts after going down to 10 men and admits he felt cursed in the build-up to the match.

"It was a really good start, exactly what we wanted, showing a lot of desire, it was all there," Klopp said.

"We were then unlucky in situations. The game plan for Palace was obviously defending deep and having counter attacks. It is difficult with the speed of Zaha.

"The second half again started positive, but getting the red card was a knock-back.

"Then we equalise four mins later. Massive game from us with 10 men, putting in such an effort. Honestly, my real feeling now is that I am proud.

"Everything went during the week against us, it was like a witch was in the building. Putting in such a performance in the circumstances I am really proud."

Darwin Nunez was sent off for a head-butt on Joachim Anderson (Image: Alamy)
Darwin Nunez was sent off for a head-butt on Joachim Anderson (Image: Alamy)

Liverpool are now set to be without Nunez for their upcoming games against Manchester United, Bournemouth and Newcastle.

Klopp believes the Uruguayan was provoked by Anderson but says he must learn from his costly mistake.

"There was provocation but it was definitely the wrong reaction," admitted Klopp.

"He will learn from that. Unfortunately he has now three games to do that. It is not cool for us but it is how it is.

Luis Diaz salvaged a point for Liverpool with a superb strike (Image: Alamy)
Luis Diaz salvaged a point for Liverpool with a superb strike (Image: Alamy)

"Of course I will speak with him. I came in [after the game] and wanted to see the situation [on television]. In the game I could not see anything so I could know what happened.

"I saw Andersen on the floor and Darwin walking away. That was my picture. Then I saw it – yes it is a red card.

"Wrong reaction in the situation. Andersen wanted that, he got it but he (Nunez) made a mistake. Of course I will talk about it with Darwin but not yet."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Hayters TV

Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Football