Steven Gerrard demands inquest into Liverpool's defeat to Real Madrid in Champions League - 'Not good enough'
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Updated 22/02/2023 at 09:09 GMT
Liverpool had shown signs of improvement after back-to-back Premier League wins against Newcastle and Everton, but - according to Steven Gerrard - they were given a "reality check" by Real Madrid as they lost 5-2 to the Spanish champions in an epic Champions League last-16 match. Gerrard also demanded Jurgen Klopp conducts an inquest into the performance to find "why and how" they conceded five.
'I think the tie is over' - Klopp doubts Liverpool hopes of comeback at Real Madrid
Steven Gerrard has called on Jurgen Klopp to conduct an “inquest” into Liverpool’s heavy 5-2 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema both struck twice as Real Madrid hit back from two down to claim a sensational victory in a devastating first-leg performance in their last-16 tie.
The Reds’ vulnerability in defence was exposed time and again as Los Blancos ran riot at Anfield, and Gerrard – on BT Sport duty – said it was a “reality check” for Klopp’s side.
Gerrard said: “I think it’s a reality check. [Liverpool] got off to the perfect start - exactly what you need on a European night. Start fast, get yourself in front, build on it, 2-0 up.
“But then from that moment, Real Madrid came back into it, scored quite quick – a fantastic goal. From then, Liverpool were dominated and outclassed for large periods.
“But then from that moment, Real Madrid came back into it, scored quite quick – a fantastic goal. From then, Liverpool were dominated and outclassed for large periods.
“Look, I think any team, any club, if you concede five goals there’s got to be an inquest into why and how, and I'm sure Jurgen will do that in the coming days. I think everyone will be a bit raw on the back of that defeat.”
It is the first time Liverpool have conceded four or more goals in a home European match. However, it is the eighth time they have conceded three or more goals this season.
“Liverpool don't concede five goals here at Anfield,” noted Gerrard.
"There's going to be a bit of soul searching and a bit of looking in the mirror. There always is when you concede that many goals and it wasn’t good enough.”
Gerrard also gave credit to Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who are bidding to defend their Champions League crown.
“Sometimes in football, you have to put your hands up and say the best team won,” he said.
“We’re witnessing absolute greatness in [Luka] Modric and Benzema. You’re talking about players that are operating on a different level than most.”
Rio Ferdinand claimed there was a “distinct difference in class shown” between the teams.
“You’ve got one side who seems like they’re going down one side of the mountain, to another team that’s still going up, and improving,” said Ferdinand.
As well as paying tribute to Real Madrid’s experienced pros, Ferdinand hailed the Spanish giants’ recruitment in recent years.
“I mean, when you look at their team from last year, you think, ‘wow’, another year older – Benzema, [Toni] Kroos, Modric. Going to be tough, they’ve lost Casemiro. But the recruitment over the last few years, from the Galactico era to what they're doing now… they’re bringing players in and they’re developing young players – the Vinicius’s, the Rodridgo’s, the Camavinga’s.
“These players are now looking like proper players in the Champions League, and they’ve been developed over time, and there’s a patience with that. Added to a team that’s still winning, and the way they’ve done it in recent years, you have to really give props to the people behind the scenes that are running that ship.”
Ferdinand also praised Real Madrid’s mentality to come from behind and believes they have to be considered contenders to defend their trophy in Istanbul in May.
“To come here and manage this crowd… We were walking around up to the studio from our position before on the pitch, all looking at each other, thinking ‘wow, this place is bouncing, they're up for it'. Went 2-0 down and then they’re able to manage that as well in this cauldron.
“I never had them down as being a team capable to repeat and win again, but now, after that, you have to put them in there.”
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