Sunday 23 April 2017 20:50, UK
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool would have "100 per cent" been awarded a penalty if Philippe Coutinho had gone down when he was clipped in the box during their 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace.
With the game level at 1-1 after first-half goals from Coutinho and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke, the Brazilian was clipped by Martin Kelly in the Palace area, but - after stumbling - stayed on his feet and saw his shot blocked by James Tomkins.
Referee Andre Marriner chose not to award a spot kick, with Palace going on to find a winner through Benteke's header in the 74th minute.
"If he goes down it's a penalty 100 per cent," Klopp told Sky Sports. "What can I say? He thought 100 per cent if he stays up can finish with his next touch.
"In midfield, you wait one second to see if the player can take the advantage, he couldn't, it's a free-kick. It's a free-kick in midfield so maybe then it's a penalty. Anyway it doesn't matter now."
The result leaves Liverpool just three points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United, having played two games more than Jose Mourinho's side, and Klopp admits his side will need an immediate reaction against Watford, live on Monday Night Football on May 1.
"We had moments, we had chances to shoot in the box, but not clear enough," Klopp said. "It was difficult. We could have done better, but we didn't so we have to take it. It feels really harsh and frustrating at the moment.
"Everyone is thinking 'that slips through the fingers of Liverpool again', we have to try to bounce back. We have two days to recover from this and we will."
He added: "You can hear it, music in the Palace dressing room, none in ours. I have to say a few words to the boys because I know what everyone is saying after this, 'you have to win the match, you need to do this, do that'.
"Crystal Palace are a good side, I think anyone who didn't know what before the game does now.
"We dominated the game, I think that was clear but we have to do it."
Both of Benteke's goals came from lax Liverpool defending. First, Dejan Lovren lost Yohan Cabaye who broke down the wing and crossed for the unmarked Belgian at the far post before the former Liverpool striker punished the home side's failure to clear a corner to head home the winner .
Klopp was at a loss to explain the goals conceded, but refused to put the second - which was Liverpool's seventh in the Premier League to come as a result of corners this season - down to poor set-piece defending.
"Close to the half-time whistle, it's unbelievable what happened," said Klopp of Palace's equaliser. "I know what happened but I don't know why. Of course there's no reason for it.
"After a corner we missed one ball, so it's not about defending a set-piece. It's only we missed the first ball at the post and Christian is there again. It's a pretty easy goal for him."
