Liverpool: Klopp denies Real Madrid influence after Southampton draw

The Reds came into the game on the back of their worst-ever Champions League defeat at home.

Jurgen Klopp has shrugged off suggestions that Liverpool have suffered a morale blow after their heavy defeat against Real Madrid.

The Reds lost the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against the Spanish giants with a 5-2 result. The game came after the Reds showed significant signs of improvement in their victories over Newcastle and Everton.

However, Klopp’s men showed another underwhelming display when they drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“I didn’t see a massive influence [from the Real Madrid game],” he added. “If we score, we go home and win 1-0.”

The Reds struggled to create enough chances against their Premier League rivals. During the uneventful evening, Klopp’s men finished the game with four shots into the target.

“The dynamic was good, the passes were good,” the Liverpool boss added. “In the end, because we didn’t threaten them in behind enough, we had to play in between the lines.

“They had no shots on target. I think we had three or four. We hit the crossbar. Usually, we score one or two [of] the chances we had. We didn’t do that tonight.

“I think we killed the atmosphere with the way we played. When football is predictable, it means it’s easier to defend. You feel something is not right.

“But it’s an away point and it’s okay. It’s not brilliant, but it’s okay.”