Liverpool have been receiving widespread criticism for a humiliating defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League last night, and the statistics released today paint an ugly picture for Klopp's side who have been struggling this season.
The Reds scored two early first-half goals and things looked positive for Klopp. However, things quickly took a turn in Anfield after a night that fans will be longing to forget. Real Madrid responded to Liverpool's two goals with a Vinicius Junior 21st-minute goal, before the Spanish side put through another four unanswered goals, leaving Liverpool completely stunned.
While some thought the first-half goals were an indication of Liverpool being back to their best after a string of poor results, they couldn't have been more wrong. Liverpool have been at best underwhelming all season, looking burnt out and tired from the get-go, but last night's loss was a new low for last year's Champions League finalists.
While nobody likes to kick a team when they're down, that's exactly what stats are for and last night was no different. While things may have already been bad enough for Liverpool fans, Michael Reid, Stats Perform data editor had this kick in the teeth for them this morning,
18 of Liverpool's last 23 goals in all comps have been scored in the first half of games.
That's just 5 second half goals in Liverpool's last 16 matches.
Liverpool have conceded 14 second half goals in that time. #LFC— Michael Reid (@michael_reid11) February 22, 2023
With much of the recent commentary about Liverpool suggesting the team appear jaded and completely lacking intensity, these stats don't come as much of a surprise to most. However, it is intriguing to see the extent of Liverpool's problems put like this, in a way that won't fill anyone with any confidence.
If Jurgen Klopp has any plans of even being a competitive force in the away leg, the German will have to sort this out.
To compound Klopp's problems, fans clearly aren't happy and have been taking to social media all day to call him and his team out on their performances, with one journalist lambasting Liverpool's second-half performance and their reaction to the goals, calling it 'one of the worst 45 minutes under Klopp'.
The Liverpool of old, at Anfield on a European night, would've went at Real Madrid after the Militao goal. There would've been a reaction. But there was nothing tonight. Just two shots in the second half with an xG total of 0.07 🥲
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) February 21, 2023
Sam McGuire wasn't the only one comparing last night's performance with that of last year's team either, with one fan saying the team gave up playing football in the second half.
Unfortunately this isn’t Liverpool of old or of any era in a European night.. they just stood stiff and gave up playing football completely 2nd half
SEE ALSO: Jurgen Klopp's Post-Match Comments Show How Lost Liverpool Are
