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Jurgen Klopp critical of Liverpool's defending in defeat to Swansea

Image: Jurgen Klopp was unimpressed by Liverpool's defending against Swansea

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could not hide his frustration after his side slumped to a 3-2 defeat at home to Swansea.

The Reds went into Saturday's early kick-off looking to cut the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to four points, but were subjected to their third defeat of the season by a side who started the day bottom of the table.

Having gone 2-0 down to Fernando Llorente's double, the hosts drew level thanks to two Roberto Firmino goals but then undid their good work by allowing the unmarked Gylfi Sigurdsson to score a 74th-minute winner.

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Liverpool 2-3 Swansea

Klopp was critical of the way his players defended the decisive goal.

"The most disappointing moment was the third goal," he said.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea City (L) celebrates scoring his sides third goal with Tom Carroll of Swansea City (L) and Wayn
Image: Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea City celebrates scoring his side's third goal

"There was nearly everything wrong with this goal: it started with a long ball and the reaction was not good.

"We scored and then we couldn't switch to defence mode and that was the biggest mistake in this situation.

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"We were passive and they took the opportunity.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and
Image: Roberto Firmino scored twice for Liverpool

"The defending around all three goals was not good enough. That is a very important part of the game and was very disappointing.

"It was a big opportunity for us to get three points and that is what makes it so frustrating.

"We gave them the opportunity to win the game so they are deserved winners."

Liverpool now face an important run of games as they seek to to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Southampton in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, before hosting Wolves in the FA Cup and Chelsea in the Premier League.

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And Klopp says his players must use the pain of Saturday's loss to motivate them in those fixtures.

"Is it damaging? In German that is a harsh word but if it has influence it has to be like this," added Klopp on the impact of the loss.

"It has to feel really bad and that is what it does. I don't need this feeling but now we have it and we have to use it."

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