Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that his side were "unlucky" to lose their EFL Cup third-round clash with Chelsea at Anfield this evening.
The Reds fell to their first defeat of the season in any competition as Eden Hazard's stunning solo effort sealed Chelsea's progress after Emerson Palmieri had cancelled out Daniel Sturridge's opener.
Klopp admitted that his side need to improve in time for Saturday's Premier League clash between the same two teams, but believes that his side also fell foul of incorrect referee decisions - most notably for Chelsea's equaliser, which was allowed to stand despite VAR suggesting an offside.
"We knew how Chelsea wanted to play but we gave them too much space and weren't compact enough. We still had the bigger chances in the first half," the German told Sky Sports News.
When asked whether Chelsea deserved the free kick which led to the equaliser, Klopp added: "No, I don't think so. The linesman is in a really good position. There was so much in the game. Unfortunately in the end we have to take it. We wanted to win it, we feel unlucky, we hit the bar.
"I think the first goal is offside. Three players are offside - two for sure. They watched it and didn't think it was offside. We have to take it. This is good preparation for Saturday but we have to defend better."
Liverpool have now been eliminated in the third round of the League Cup in successive years for the first time since 1990-91.
Barney Corkhill
