Cape Town - Liverpool
manager Jurgen Klopp says his team were not at their best as they
slumped to a damaging 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at Anfield on
Sunday.
The Reds took the lead in the 24th minute thanks to a stunning free-kick from Philippe Coutinho but ex-Liverpool striker Christian Benteke came back to haunt his former employers, netting twice as Palace boosted their chances of avoiding relegation.
For Klopp though the loss was a significant blow to his side's hopes of finishing in the top four in the league and qualifying for the next season's Champions League.
Klopp said after the game: "Crystal Palace are a good side but we dominated the game, that was clear. We had very good moments. It is not easy to create chance and chance and chance.
"Today it was a defeat and makes sense for me to say a few words. We were not at our best.
"We tried everything - changing systems - but it didn't work that well because we had a bit of nerves.There are games to play and we will be ready."
"It feels harsh and frustrating. We have to strike back. If we want to go to the Champions League, we have to win our next games."
The Reds who have struggled against weaker opposition next travel to Vicarage Road Stadium to face Watford in an English Premiership clash on Monday.
Kick off is at 21:00.