Klopp's tactics backfire as unfancied Italians run riot

The invasion of Ireland may have to be called off. Dublin may not stage Jurgen Klopp’s farewell party after all. A Champions League winner’s reign may not end in Europa League glory amid thousands of Liverpool fans. The risk instead is that Atalanta, unfancied but impressive, bring his European odyssey to a premature end in Bergamo next week. A damaging week may take on disastrous proportions if it costs Liverpool both the Premier and the Europa Leagues.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Liverpool 0
Atalanta Scamacca (38, 60), Pasalic (83) 3

They now need a repeat of Klopp’s most famous comeback, from 3-0 down against Barcelona, but without the advantage of Anfield. They have won 5-0 at Atalanta in the Champions League in his tenure but their worst performance on Merseyside this season brought a first home defeat in over a year. Real Madrid were the last visitors to win here until, courtesy of Gianluca Scamacca’s double and Mario Pasalic’s tap-in, Atalanta sprang a surprise. Klopp has only lost five European games at Anfield but two have been to the Italian overachievers.

And for a manager who has permed expertly from his squad this season, there may be the depressing realisation his rotation was mistaken, that his gamble backfired. The sight of Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson coming on at half-time was an attempt to repair the damage after each was rested. Luis Diaz, another substitute, followed, but barely a minute later Scamacca scored Atalanta’s second. Klopp has been able to field some eclectic sides in Europe this season, but against Atalanta, by far and away the best side they have faced in continental competition since Real, a weakened team produced a weak display.