Liverpool’s 68-game Premier League unbeaten run at Anfield was brought to an end as Ashley Barnes’ late penalty saw the Reds stay six points behind leaders Manchester United at the top of the table.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche seemed to have a history in frustrating Liverpool, with the Clarets picking up a 1-1 draw at Anfield last season. Although, the Reds were already confirmed as champions by that point.
The first half of Thursday’s clash at Anfield did witness an outburst between the two teams when Burnley’s Ashley Barnes become involved in a scuffle with Fabinho.
The Liverpool midfielder was booked by referee Mike Dean as VAR checked the altercation between the Brazilian and Barnes, who was not cautioned despite picking up a yellow card earlier in the half.
The altercation spilled onto the touchline as the two Premier League managers got involved in an angry exchange.
Just after the half-time whistle, Klopp was seen chasing Sean Dyche down the tunnel as the Burnley manger raced towards the changing room.
The Burnley boss stopped in the tunnel to speak to Klopp where the arguing continued for a short while, before Dyche continued on to the away dressing room.
Speaking after the game, which Liverpool went on to lose 1-0, Klopp insisted he ‘didn’t start’ the altercation but refused to expand further on what was said during the back and forth.
“If he’s not talking about it, I’m not talking about it. I didn’t start it, but it’s nothing. All good.”
Klopp’s side did come close to taking the lead when Divock Origi smashed the crossbar in a seemingly clear opportunity.
Liverpool’s win-less run and goal drought continued on as Klopp’s men are still yet to score a league goal in 2021 and are five league games without a win.
“We lost the game which is pretty impossible but we did it,” Klopp said to Sky Sports.
“That is my fault. It is my job to make sure the boys have the right feelings and confidence. That didn’t work out.
“We had the ball a lot and created some situations that are OK but our final decision is not right. I said the same thing last week. When something doesn’t work you must try harder, longer and more often and make better decisions. It didn’t work tonight.”
With a number of huge games coming up, Liverpool will need to put the disappointing defeat behind them as they face Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
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