Kaoru Mitoma’s 92nd-minute winner sent Brighton & Hove Albion through to the FA Cup Fifth Round at Liverpool’s expense, and fans across Africa were less than impressed with the Reds’ latest setback under Jurgen Klopp.
One of the key themes discussed among Liverpool fans on the continent is the absence of Sadio Mane following his summer exit for Bayern Munich, and how this is affecting the Anfield giants.
“Liverpool didn’t wanna pay Mane a little extra, yet they have Salah on 350k,” joked @mizar, making fun of the club’s summer transfer dealings.
“Mane single-handedly led and carried Liverpool,” echoed Mphele Lefadi Bolwang Tshego. “He created assists and goals for the selfish Salah.
“I'm happy to see Klopp struggling for not protecting Mane.”
@jskxxvi is under no illusion as to where the blame must lie.
“Jurgen Klopp's favouritism will cost us,” he tweeted. “He shouts at Thiago but silent on Mo Salah's atrocious performance.
“He's done this consistently, but hey man.”
“Yet again @LFC and their whole management team and lack of fight and determination tuning my weekend,” tweeted @MarceP10, “but don’t worry we will get apologies from players saying that it wasn’t good enough.
“There needs to be some action taken.”
But what action can Jurgen Klopp take with the transfer window closing imminently?
Some supporters believe that the German head coach is no longer the answer to the Reds’ (many) problems.
“[Jordan] Henderson has never and will never be a solution,” wrote @Kayls922. “[Cody] Gakpo playing striker, [Darwen] Nunez playing left wing…thank you Klopp but it’s time to go!
“All you fake LFC [fans] can come for me,” they added. “No one is bigger than the club, which includes Klopp!”
One or two Reds fans in South Africa and beyond have decided that the defeat by Brighton on Sunday is the final straw in their affections for the club.
“I’m done with Liverpool,” tweeted @lungelo_khoza_2…and we kind of believe she means it.
“The commitment from our players and motivation is 0,” wrote @degenerationbob. “I'm starting to doubt my technical team. They even don't want to try new formations and tactics. The stubbornness, but we will keep grinding, we're Liverpool through and through.”
Will things improve from here for the Merseysiders?
Despite acknowledging the pain, Pinky Mathe is confident things will get better…eventually.
“The most painful thing is being a Liverpool fan this season,” she tweeted. “Boys are seeing flames.
“You’ll never walk alone, it’s going to be fine.”
Supporters of other clubs appear to be relishing the club’s downfall after their superiority in recent years.
“This Liverpool downfall tastes like fine wine,” tweeted @bhuti_sino.
@NdongaMpho was one of several Twitter users who has ordered the club to have a complete summer overhaul, with a complete refresh required in the transfer market.
“Liverpool are finished,” they wrote. “It’s obvious 8-9 players must leave the club.”
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Many South African fans were quick to make fun of Liverpool’s setback, with Time Mthokozisi Gumbo seeing similarities with another of the Premier League’s current underperformers.
“Liverpool are just Chelsea from the North West,” he joked, although we doubt Reds fans are laughing.
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