Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp apologises for spoiling Premier League title race with defeat

Klopp makes title race admission after Liverpool lose at Leicester

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Jurgen Klopp has apologised for gifting Manchester City the chance to potentially “runaway” with the Premier League title after Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat at Leicester on Tuesday night. The Reds were handed a sobering reality check in the East Midlands as their attack endured a rare off night that was eventually punished by substitute Ademola Lookman’s second-half winner.

Liverpool were simply not at the races and their manager had no excuses for the loss that leaves them six points behind leaders Manchester City.

It’s not the first time the Reds have struggled against teams outside of the Big Six this season having been held by Brentford and Brighton prior to their first defeat of the campaign at West Ham.

Mohamed Salah missed a rare penalty and an open goal while Sadio Mane skied a golden chance to break the deadlock after the interval.

It’s only Liverpool’s second league defeat in 29 league games but still, the title race now feels as good as done.

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And when asked about the prospect of being 12 points behind City by the time Liverpool next take to the field, Klopp apologised for spoiling the title race.

“To top that situation, Chelsea and us both play each other so we can’t get the points, obviously,” he said.

“Yeah I know, sorry for that. It was not our plan to give City the chance to run away or whatever but if we play like tonight we don’t have to think about catching City.

“But if we play our normal football we can win football games and we have to see how many points we can get.

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“I don’t have a proper explanation for tonight and to find one is my main concern and not about how we catch City.”

City face to trips to London to take on Brentford and Arsenal before Liverpool travel to Chelsea on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side seem to be hitting their stride just at the right time heading into the New Year.

It’s been nine straight wins for the champions since they were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace at home in October.

With £100million Jack Grealish and Phil Foden currently dropped to the bench, City’s squad depth looks set to provide them with a significant advantage.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are set to lose Salah, Mane and Naby Keita for the African Cup of Nations after this weekend’s trip to Stamford Bridge.

That is likely to have a bearing on the title race – although they will only miss two Premier League matches even if their countries make it all the way to the final.

Chelsea will lose Edouard Mendy while City are set to wave goodbye to the in-form Riyad Mahrez.

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