Liverpool concluded their Europa League group stage with a 2-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels on Thursday.
Despite the defeat, Liverpool had already secured a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League. Jurgen Klopp fielded a much-changed and youthful lineup, resting key players ahead of their upcoming match against Manchester United.
However, the match revealed some interesting subplots that went unnoticed. The official UEFA pre-match sheet displayed apparent tactical tweaks, suggesting Wataru Endo as a lone striker, Harvey Elliott in a midfield pivot with Kaide Gordon, and Jarell Quansah in a creative No.10 position. UEFA also inaccurately positioned Cody Gakpo as a left-back, emphasizing the confusion.
Curtis Jones captained Liverpool for the third time in Europe, with a lighthearted moment during the coin toss using a coloured disc. Unfortunately, it landed on the green, possibly foreshadowing a disjointed night for Liverpool.
Kaide Gordon, making a comeback after a lengthy absence, received advice from Harvey Elliott, showcasing the latter’s growing maturity within the team.
Despite a forgettable night for Cody Gakpo, a peculiar moment occurred when he lost a boot during a dribble, yet the referee deemed it a fair challenge despite the cleat flying across the pitch.
In summary, Liverpool’s Europa League defeat uncovered tactical confusion, lighthearted moments, and the team’s dynamics, providing insights beyond the scoreline.