Kostas Tsimikas details the one match that collapsed Liverpool during the sunset days of Jurgen Klopp's reign
Kostas Tsimikas has opened up about the pivotal moment last season that derailed Liverpool's title ambitions and tarnished Jurgen Klopp's farewell campaign.
The Greek defender pinpointed the 4-3 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals as a turning point that led to a collapse of the team’s morale and performance.
Speaking candidly, Tsimikas reflected on how the loss at Old Trafford not only eliminated Liverpool from the FA Cup but also triggered a series of disappointing results that saw them drop out of the Premier League title race and falter in Europe.
"Last season, at the end, we destroyed everything after one bad result against Manchester United," Tsimikas stated. The defeat, marked by a dramatic injury-time winner from Amad Diallo, left the squad reeling and struggling to regain their momentum.
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At the time, Liverpool was riding high, having secured the Carabao Cup and still competing in the league and Europa League.
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They were at the top of the Premier League in mid-March, but the emotional toll of that United defeat proved detrimental. "After that match, we were not the team we were before," Tsimikas admitted. "Our mentality took a significant hit, and we lost our way during crucial fixtures."
However, the arrival of new manager Arne Slot has revitalized the team. Under his guidance, Liverpool has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, winning 11 out of 12 matches, a record that marks the best start for any Liverpool manager.
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Tsimikas has expressed his enthusiasm for working under Slot, praising the focus on defensive organization and teamwork. "One of the goals of the new manager is he asks us to defend all together as a unit," he explained. "We don’t want to concede, and we’re working hard to make that happen."
The Reds recently maintained their unbeaten start in the Champions League with a narrow 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig, where Tsimikas played a crucial role in the defence.
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With seven clean sheets and only five goals conceded in their last 12 matches, the squad appears more solid than in the previous season.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s high-stakes clash against Arsenal, Tsimikas emphasized the need for focus rather than making bold statements. "I think it is too early to say this game can make a statement for the rest of the league," he said. "Our target is to play our football and win. We’re taking it game by game."