“Wow, wow, wow,” that’s what came out from Jurgen Klopp. Once again, the German coach was surprised by the dismal performance of his players, and this time Liverpool is likely to pay the price with the Premier League title.

“I didn’t even know when they played. I always thought they would win every remaining game,” Klopp said nearly two weeks ago. “I watched a game in 2019 and wanted Leicester to beat Man City, and it didn’t happen. That was the last time I did that, and it’s a lesson from the past. Liverpool need to earn points, win their own games, rather than worry about others.”

Following Klopp’s words, Liverpool has failed. With a golden opportunity to temporarily claim the top spot, The Kop even failed to secure a single point against Crystal Palace at home. It’s been too long since March 2021 that Liverpool suffered consecutive defeats at Anfield. But it happens so quickly, leaving over millions of The Reds’ fans feeling utterly helpless.

It turns out the 0-3 loss to Atalanta two days ago was not an accident. Liverpool is repeating an old script this season, starting slowly and conceding early goals. Previously, when fitness was assured, Klopp’s team continuously staged dramatic comebacks. But as the season progresses, playing on the edge has its consequences.

Off the pitch, the highlight of Klopp is not tactical adjustments but the number of times he exclaims “Wow.” Having been with this team for 10 years, enduring countless humiliations, Klopp is still surprised by the appalling limits of his players. Can Liverpool be so deficient? Even Klopp didn’t expect that!