• Premier League

Dalglish disappointed after poor Liverpool display

ESPN staff
May 1, 2012
Kenny Dalglish was unhappy with his side's performance © Getty Images
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Manager Kenny Dalglish gave a withering assessment of Liverpool's performance after they lost 1-0 to Fulham at Anfield on Tuesday.

In the final game before the FA Cup against Chelsea at the weekend, the Reds allowed the visitors to pull level with them on points in the Premier League table after a 1-0 victory, thanks to Martin Skrtel's own goal after just five minutes.

Dalglish opted for a weakened side as he gave a rest to a number of key players, but was nevertheless disappointed with what he saw from those who did play after a poor team display.

"I don't think it can be described as a performance," Dalglish told the BBC. "I'll take part of the blame I suppose because I thought it was fair on everybody to give them some minutes on the pitch, again coming up to Saturday which is important to the club.

"They had the chance to press their claim but the performance was very poor. That's not like us. For us there was one or two positives but there were a lot more negatives."

When asked if he had told the players before kick-off to show why they should play in Saturday's game at Wembley, Dalglish said his teamtalk had been far simpler than that.

"[I told them] 'Just take some pride in yourself and go play'," Dalglish said. "The goal was a bit unfortunate for us, came off Martin and went in the back of the net but I think we got exactly what we deserved from the game which was nothing.

"If you are going to approach the game in the wrong way you deserve nothing, and we got nothing. If they needed a lesson then there it is."

Dalglish succeeded Roy Hodgson as manager of Liverpool almost 18 months ago. Hodgson was appointed as England manager on Tuesday, and Dalglish reiterated his previous praise for the 64-year-old.

"I wish him all the best," Dalglish said. "I'm sure he's a very proud man tonight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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