Juergen Klopp admitted Liverpool had only themselves to blame for a shock 4-3 defeat at AFC Bournemouth after conceding three goals in the final 14 minutes on Sunday.
Klopp’s side looked to be cruising to victory at the Vitality Stadium after taking a 3-1 lead midway through the second half, but the Reds completely lost their composure as a series of defensive mistakes allowed AFC Bournemouth to storm back for their first ever win against Liverpool in one of the most dramatic games of the season so far.
Liverpool boss Klopp praised Bournemouth for refusing to surrender and conceded his side were guilty of failing to finish off the hosts.
Photo: Reuters
“First of all, I have to say a deserved win for Bournemouth. A big fight from them. We gave the game away at a decisive point,” Klopp said. “We opened the door, and they ran through and scored some wonderful goals. So that’s the deserved result.”
“Even when we are in the lead at 2-0 it’s how we try to play football then we were static. We gave the game away because we didn’t play football any more,” he said.
“If we learn it’s OK. At 2-0 or 3-1 the game is not decided, but the way we played after we gave it away. We gave Bournemouth the ball. These things happen,” he added.
Bournemouth are in just their second season in the top flight and it was arguably the tiny south coast club’s finest hour.
“It would have been easy for our players to give up and see out time, but our group knows not to give up,” Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said.
“We scored at the right time, and the easy thing when you equalize is to sit back and defend that, but thankfully the lads kept going,” he said,
“In the second half we looked like scoring every time we attacked. For this club and everyone involved it’s made for a very special day,” he added. “These days are huge for us. We’d never been in the Premier League until last season, so we’re making history for the club.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely