Steve McManaman labels Liverpool star ‘lazy’ for giving the ball away in Europa League clash vs Atalanta
Liverpool legend Steve Mcmanaman slammed Cody Gakpo after he gave the ball away at one point in their UEFA Europa League clash against Atalanta on April 18.
The Reds traveled to Bergamo to face Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-finals. They trailed 3-0 from a shocking defeat at Anfield in the first leg. The Merseysiders got off to an excellent start in the second leg as Mohamed Salah scored via a penalty in the seventh minute.
The Egyptian had another excellent chance to score in the first half but failed to capitalise on it. Following that, the Reds appeared toothless despite having 70% possession and making 10 attempts on goal, with five being on target. They were also prone to Atalanta's counter-attacks, with the hosts having 2/8 shots on target.
One such incident occurred in the second half when Cody Gakpo tried to backheel the ball towards Andy Robertson but failed to do so. The ball reached Atalanta, who countered and arguably should've scored.
Commentating on the game on TNT Sports, Steve Mcmanaman said (via The Boot Room):
“That was Gakpo giving the ball away, with a lazy flick in midfield. Liverpool have to be so much more careful because the way Atalanta play, you will be punished."
The Reds eventually won the game 1-0 but lost 3-1 on aggregate and were eliminated from the competition.
Liverpool return to Premier League action after Europa League disappointment
Following Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he will leave Liverpool in the summer, there were hopes among the club's supporters of a quadruple. They began brilliantly by winning the Carabao Cup but have now been eliminated from the FA Cup and the Europa League.
Premier League remains the final opportunity for Klopp to win another trophy as the Reds manager. They currently sit third in the standings, two points behind leaders Manchester City. They are level on points with second-placed Arsenal but behind on goal difference.
Liverpool will return to league action on Sunday (April 21) when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage. They will then face Everton away and West Ham United away before hosting Tottenham Hotspur. Their final two fixtures of the season are Aston Villa away and Wolverhampton Wanderers at home.