Jordan Henderson makes worrying Liverpool admission and explains dressing room reaction to Brighton

Liverpool’s season hit a new low when they were beaten at the Amex

Jordan Henderson acknowledged Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion as arguably their worst performance in Jurgen Klopp’s seven-year reign at Merseyside and admits the lack of confidence is rife throughout the Reds squad.

A brace from Solly March and a fine late goal from ex-Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck condemned Jurgen Klopp’s side to a sixth Premier League defeat of the season, on his 18th appearance.

Once again, questions were asked about midfield as Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara struggled to secure their Brighton counterparts, while Liverpool-bound Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister dominated in midfield.

For the Reds, this means their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League hang in the balance as they are now seven points behind fourth-placed Newcastle United, with games against Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United ahead.

Manager Jurgen Klopp finally admitted last season’s 63-game campaign had a negative impact on this season’s fortunes but called for unity. “Everything,” Henderson said when asked what went wrong on the South Coast. “Everything went wrong from start to finish. Brighton were better than us in all departments. It’s a real low point as a team. We have to stick together.” “It’s a difficult time, but we have to come together, stay together and try to change things quickly. We must try to learn and be responsive.

“There wasn’t a thing. There were a lot of things and it hadn’t been right for a while. Everyone knows that. We know we can do better. I will take responsibility and the boys will. We have to try to fix things.

The midfielder later acknowledged that Saturday’s defeat was arguably the worst performance by a Liverpool side since Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers at Anfield in October 2015.

“Probably,” added the midfielder. “I don’t remember anyone else. Really tough day. We have pretty low confidence. Energy levels are low. Everything. We cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We have to keep fighting and hopefully we can change that as soon as possible.

“Obviously it’s very disappointing. We know we can play better and give even more. But you have to keep working.” But we have to keep working, we have to keep going. There is no point in sitting back and feeling sorry for yourself. As I said, the games are fast approaching – one in midweek against Wolves and then against Chelsea at the weekend. So big games are coming and all you have to do is keep your heads down, work together, stick together as a team. Because that’s when people can think individually and do whatever they want – but it’s important that we stick together and get through this, and it will make us stronger in the end. “

And of the mood in the dressing room, Henderson said: “Not good, as you can imagine. Quite low, low confidence – you see it when we play – low energy, everything. Like I said, it’s not good to feel sorry for yourself. I’ve had moments like this in my career and you have to keep fighting, you have to move forward and hopefully we can change that as soon as possible.