Wayne Rooney believes that Liverpool should not complain about the match scheduled for this Saturday at 12:30 PM (UK time) against West Ham United. After the defeat to Everton on Wednesday, the players should feel the need to make amends.
Following Liverpool's disheartening 2-0 loss to Everton, the atmosphere in the club is fraught with disappointment.
Virgil van Dijk's remarks post-match, focusing on the early kick-off time for their next game, underscored a frustration that seems to be shared by manager Jürgen Klopp. Wayne Rooney, however, offered a no-nonsense perspective during his commentary on Sky Sports, suggesting Liverpool should not dwell on scheduling issues. "We hear again that the kick-off is at 12:30 PM," he noted, urging Liverpool players to be eager to return to the field promptly. "When you lose a derby, you want the games to come thick and fast. Get on with it, it's part of your job," Rooney insisted, emphasizing the need for readiness regardless of circumstances.
The English media were unreserved in their critique, noting a palpable lack of drive within the Liverpool squad. According to The Guardian, Everton's greater desire to win was evident and particularly stinging for Liverpool, who had significant title ambitions bolstered by the necessity to respond to Arsenal's recent win over Chelsea. The aftermath of Liverpool's defeat saw Everton and Manchester United (the latter winning the FA Cup) reveling in their roles in deepening Liverpool's crisis.
The BBC captured the sentiment further, describing the defeat as a "knockout blow" from Everton. It highlighted Klopp's post-match demeanor, portraying a man resigned to the dimming title hopes despite Liverpool trailing Arsenal by only three points. The narrative was compounded by Liverpool's deteriorating form and Arsenal's superior goal difference, which virtually places them another point ahead.
The Telegraph extended the narrative to Liverpool's broader season objectives, casting the remainder of their campaign in terms of preparation for the future under potentially new leadership. Klopp's last act, according to the publication, would involve paving the way for his likely successor, Arne Slot from Feyenoord, with a focus on securing Champions League qualification a task made all the more urgent as Liverpool faces tough upcoming matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. Each game now carries not just the weight of immediate results but implications for the club's strategic future, making every match a decisive element in a season fraught with challenges and high stakes.
