Liverpool likely can’t wait to get back to Anfield and lock the doors behind them.
The Reds have had a miserable week away from home with a 3-1 defeat at Swansea coming just days after the sucker-punch in Spain that means they now trail Villarreal 1-0 going into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp rang the changes with his team selection at the Liberty Stadium and the inexperience among his charges was telling as they succumbed to an embarrassing defeat compounded by a second-half red card for Brad Smith.
After the game, Daniel Sturridge’s behaviour was a topic of discussion as the striker immediately returned to the dressing room following the final whistle, a move which was criticised by some as he had failed to acknowledge the travelling support.
Klopp was asked about Sturridge after the game and apologised if that’s how it came across.
“Sorry if you think we ignored the fans, that is not what we wanted, but I went in too immediately,” Klopp said.
“Hopefully our fans know how close we are to them and after a game like this, you want to leave, you want to rest, you want to recover, and if someone forgot to say thank you to the fans then it is my fault. Nobody else’s.
“If you want to find a story around this 3-1 defeat, sure, you don’t need my say.”
