Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Klopp criticizes opponent's playing style after UCL exit

- Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid ended 2-3 (2-4 on aggregate) as the Champions League holders crash out

- Reds manager Jurgen Klopp was thoroughly critical of Atletico Madrid’s playing style

- The gaffer accused Simeone of defending with “two rows of four players”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp might have seen his side lose twice against Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, but the gaffer was far from impressed by his opponent’s style of play.

Liverpool lost at Anfield for the first time in 44 games after extra time goals from Marcos Llorente and Alvaro Morata ensured Liverpool would not be defending their Champions League crown.

Despite the victory, stats spoke a completely different story as Liverpool had a staggering 29 shots throughout the game compared to Atleti’s 10 which produced three goals.

Liverpool also enjoyed majority of possession, limiting their Spanish opponents to only 34% of the ball.

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It was for this reason that Liverpool manager Klopp was rather irritated by the exit as he genuinely felt the better side bowed out.

"I don't understand with the quality they have the football they play,” he started.

Klopp insisted he was totally satisfied with his side’s performances despite the very early exit from Europe’s elite competition.

"We saw all the goals we conceded, we shouldn't concede these kind of goals. Tonight, it is difficult to explain these goals, but it is like it is,” he told BT Sport.

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Throughout the game, Atleti defended with a lot of purpose and conceded two goals through headers from Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Aside from the two headers, Liverpool found it hard to break down the defence, something Klopp was keen to point out as well.

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"I realise I am a really bad loser, especially when the boys put such an effort in against world-class players on the other side who defend with two rows of four. It doesn't feel right tonight, to be honest." Klopp said.

Morata’s goal which all but sealed the tie was also against the run of play as Liverpool threw everyone forward looking for a goal that would get them back in the game.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Champions League clash saw the Anfield outfit exit the tournament in the round of 16 after losing the tie on a 4-2 goal aggregate.

An extra time sensational brace from Marcos Llorente and another strike from Alvaro Morata during extra time of the Wednesday night, March 11, meeting rendered Wijnaldum's opener and Firmino's strike a mere consolation.

Despite some ferocious attacking from Liverpool in the closing stages of the match, Atletico held on to claim a spot in the quarterfinal.

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Liverpool came into the last 16 tie knowing too well that only a victory could guarantee them a place in the quarter finals of the European competition but it wasn't going to be.

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Source: Legit.ng