Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp gave us a real telling off at half-time, says Adam Lallana
The Reds prevailed against Stoke by a penalty shoot-out to reach the League Cup final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Adam Lallana has revealed the shaky performance of Liverpool’s defence prompted “a few strong words” from Jürgen Klopp at half-time of the League Cup semi-final against Stoke City on Tuesday night.
With Stoke drawing level in the tie through Marko Arnautovic’s goal and the visitors generously afforded other one-on-ones with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Klopp sparked a heated discussion among the players.
Lallana said: “We told each other we had to be more composed on the ball, to want it and play out from the back rather than hitting it long, which we did a few too many times.”
In Liverpool’s last home League game, a 1-0 defeat by Manchester United, something similar happened in the visitors’ changing area.
“It wasn’t over the top like it was with them,” Lallana said. “We could hear it kicking off from our dressing room. We tried to have a bit more structure but we all knew that we hadn’t been good enough.”
Liverpool were better after the break, although it took a penalty shoot-out to see them through. Had James Milner, Liverpool’s vice-captain, missed his spot kick, then they would have had only the FA Cup, in which they face West Ham United on Saturday and the Europa League to play for. West Ham have beaten them twice this season.
Milner still feels justified in choosing to leave Manchester City for Liverpool last summer despite the fact he was promised a central midfield role under Klopp’s predecessor Brendan Rodgers.
“Whatever happens you make that decision and you stick to it,” he said. “You don’t look back. The fact that we have got to the first cup final this season, I’ve played a lot of football, I am enjoying my time immensely.
“I don’t think I have hit the levels I want to achieve and I know I can. But I will keep working hard and hopefully my best form will come and the fans will see the best of me.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments