Jurgen Klopp says Everton and Jordan Pickford's time-wasting antics cost his team their rhythm in Merseyside derby

Jurgen Klopp said he had predicted that Everton would employ gamesmanship during the two sides' Merseyside derby at Anfield — but admitted it nearly worked. Klopp was particularly critical of Jordan Pickford's time-wasting at goal-kicks as Everton sought to employ alternative tactics to stifle their free-flowing opponents. Ad/> Ultimately however Liverpool broke through, with Andy Robertson and Divock Origi getting the goals that secured their 2-0 win and kept up the Reds' push for the Premier League title.

For Everton, it was a spirited performance but one that — after Burnley's win over Wolves — left them perilously placed in the relegation zone. Premier LeagueLiverpool's quadruple bid 'a situation we didn't expect to be in' — Klopp22/04/2022 AT 13:28 Speaking to BBC Sport, Klopp said: «Thank God the game has two halves. We didn't play particularly well in the first half.

They made it uncomfortable but we didn't get in behind the last line. We didn't have enough movement. »We weren't quick enough.

We passed the ball into the area they had nine players. In the second half we were much more direct and caused them much more problems. The goals were wonderful.

Tuchel confirms Rudiger to leave Chelsea Neymar on PSG critics: You'll need more air 'I can't say they get on well' – Rangnick after Lingard reportedly calls dressing room ‘disaster’ «We expected it [Everton's tactics] but we didn't react well. It's difficult. Each ball Jordan Pickford has he takes five minutes so we couldn't gain rhythm which you need to break down a low block.

We expected them to do it. »The amount of wins we've had in recent months is insane. You have to work.

The boys did that again. I'm really happy. /> «We stayed really cool and calm.