'We should have been organised enough'

 

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane struck in the first half to leave us with too much to do in the second half, and Petr was disappointed with our collective performance:

• Read the report from Anfield
• 'We lacked rhythm and competition'
• Find out what Welbeck thought of the game
• Boss - Why Alexis was on the bench

 

We had two weeks to prepare for the game. We knew they were fast on the counter-attack and that they like to press a lot, so we didn’t want to give them a chance to counter-attack. In the end it’s very disappointing. The two goals we conceded in the first half were when we were in position, behind the ball and not in immediate danger. They always managed to find the opening unfortunately, and that shouldn’t have happened because we should have been organised enough to prevent it. We were not at the level we should have been at in the first half, and it’s difficult to say why. Alexis came on in the second half and we played much better.

 

We have a squad of 25 quality players, so we know that whoever comes in has the quality to perform. We were missing players and you obviously want to have all your players, but our squad is strong enough to cope.

 

Believe it or not, it was the same game plan in the first and second half, we just executed it better after the break. We were more aggressive in the second half, played with more purpose and we started winning the 50:50 battles. That was the biggest difference between the two halves. It’s disappointing when you lose a game, but it’s more disappointing when you look at the two goals you conceded and you were not in danger. We had enough players behind the ball but we left the player free and they found the opening. If they outplay you in the situation and you can’t do anything about it, then fine, but we were very organised and we conceded which shouldn’t happen. We paid the price for that in the second half because we came back, scored the goal we needed, but unfortunately couldn’t equalise.

 

We had a game plan and we had the players to execute the game plan. We didn’t have a game last week so we had time to prepare. Unfortunately in the first 45 minutes, we didn’t match their intensity. When you lose the 50:50 duels, you make it harder for yourselves. 

 

With the three points we would have still been in the chase for the title, but now I think we are too far away. I don’t think Chelsea will lose so many points, so now we need to concentrate on finishing as high as possible and qualifying for the Champions League.