Jurgen Klopp cut a very disappointed figure after Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat against Everton on Wednesday.
Klopp lost for the first ever time at Goodison Park on his final visit to the ground as Reds manager.
It wasn’t good enough from Liverpool, who could just never get going against the Toffees. Individuals such as Ibrahima Konate were rightly criticised following the game, but as a collective the Reds were miles off it.
The result leaves Liverpool extremely unlikely to win the Premier League title, a fact which delighted the home ground at Goodison.
In fairness, the Reds never looked quite right from the off. And according to Klopp after the game, Liverpool were rocked by some news ahead of the match.
Jurgen Klopp admits Cody Gakpo blow
Liverpool had already been dealt a big blow prior to the game, with the news that Diogo Jota would miss the next two weeks with injury.
Jota had been in good form, scoring in the Reds last game away at Fulham on Sunday. Losing him was a real shame.
Perhaps the other Liverpool forward in the best form had been Cody Gakpo. Following a difficult period, Gakpo has stood up tall over recent games, looking back to his best.
As a result, plenty had probably expected the 24-year-old to start against Everton on Wednesday. But after his partner went into labour prior to the game, Gakpo was understandably taken off duty.
And speaking to beIN SPORTS after the game, Klopp admitted that the Dutchman’s absence hadn’t helped his team.
“We have to have a look, I’ve no idea who can play again,” said the manager when asked about Saturday’s game with West Ham. “Diogo injury again didn’t help and then Cody not being able to play didn’t help as well.”
When will Cody Gakpo be back
Obviously, some things are much bigger than football and Gakpo will have the well wishes of all of the first-team squad, Klopp and everyone at the club.
It’s a huge day for the young man and we wish all the best to both he, his partner and his newborn.
There’s little question that Liverpool missed him on the pitch this evening, and that’s testament to how good he’s been in recent games.
Hopefully, all being well, Gakpo will be ready to return for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at West Ham. If not, he’ll surely be back for a week on Sunday against Spurs.
All the best, Cody!