Liverpool 1, Sevilla 3: Klopp criticises side’s “loss of faith” as Reds boss loses fifth successive final to leave Anfield club with no European football next season
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp lambasted his side’s “loss of faith” after a second-half collapse handed Sevilla an unprecedented third successive Europa League crown and denied the Reds a place in next season’s Champions League.
A second-half blitz, consisting of an equaliser from prolific marksman Kevin Gameiro and captain Coke’s double, saw Sevilla destroy a previously buoyant Liverpool following a productive opening period in which Daniel Sturridge expertly netted.
Victory propelled Sevilla to their fifth Europa League title in 11 years and also guaranteed Unai Emery’s side, who finished seventh in La Liga, a place in the group stages of next season’s Champions League.
Conversely, Liverpool will not be involved in any European competition at all next term, while defeat extended Klopp’s miserable record in finals. His respective sides have now lost five on the bounce since he guided Borussia Dortmund to success in the 2012 DfB Pokal – the German FA Cup.
“The first goal [conceded] was not a problem, it’s not good that is clear, but what happened then was a problem because we lost everything; complete faith in our style of play, we lost shape and we were nervous in defence,” said Klopp.
“That shows our development is not as good up to now as we hoped, that’s the information from tonight. We have to use this experience and be stronger. I’m sure we will be stronger but tonight is disappointment and frustration.
“We are responsible for not being in the Champions League next year and now we have to use the time for training to get better, and use this experience. I promise everyone we will use it. We will come back stronger, 100 per cent.”
Liverpool opened the scoring 10 minutes before the interval as Sturridge collected a Philippe Coutinho pass and arrowed an impudent effort with the outside of his left boot beyond outstretched Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria from the edge of the penalty area.
The Reds were made to pay for failing to capitalise on a dominant ending to the first half as Sevilla levelled 17 seconds after the restart. Gameiro tapped home his 29th goal of the season from close range following a surging Mariano Ferreira run, which exposed a sloppy Alberto Moreno.
Gameiro was twice denied, firstly by a last-ditch Kolo Toure tackle and then stopper Simon Mignolet’s point-blank save, before an intricate and incisive Sevilla move on 64 minutes ended with Coke pinging an 18-yard strike into the bottom corner.
Liverpool’s implosion continued moments later. Emanating from a misplaced Emre Can pass, Sevilla attacked with panache, allowing an unmarked Coke to lash past Mignolet – the referee correctly waving play on despite his assistant flagging for offside.