"Woah!": Steve McManaman shocked at how Liverpool fell apart at Anfield

Steve McManaman did not mince words in his critique of Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in their Europa League quarter-final at Anfield.

Speaking to TNT Sports live, via the Daily Mail, McManaman conveyed his disappointment, emphasising the magnitude of the loss for Jurgen Klopp’s side, which hadn't faced defeat at Anfield since a 5-2 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League over a year prior.a

The Reds were considered strong favorites, especially at home, with expectations high.

However, a determined Atalanta team disrupted these predictions, led by Gianluca Scamacca's brace and a clinching goal from Mario Pasalic.

McManaman commented: "This victory means more to them [Atalanta] of course because last time Liverpool had qualified and changed the team.

"This time, this is against the favourites at Anfield, the favourites who people expected to walk to Dublin. And woah! They've put a stop to that talk."

McManaman was blunt about Liverpool's performance: "They haven't deserved it tonight. Liverpool have been very average. They've been amazing this year and all the nice things that have been said about them, but tonight... Wow, the wheels have come off."

He also noted that the tactical changes Klopp made during the game failed to make the usual impact, adding, "It will be interesting to see what the manager has to say when he explains it away... because there's a lot to explain!"

Looking ahead to the second leg, McManaman expressed concerns over Liverpool's defensive form, saying, "They'll have to keep a clean sheet at Bergamo and they're finding that hard to do."

Liverpool need to regroup and get back to winning ways

Liverpool are at the stage of the season where there is no use complaining. Where nothing but a return to winning ways will satisfy the players and supporters.

There is still a chance for the Reds to complete a treble in Klopp's final season at the club but they will now have to do so by coming from behind in both the Premier League and Europa League.

While Arsenal have a string of difficult games, they will be desperate to avoid giving the lead back to Liverpool after falling apart at the end of last season's title race with Manchester City.

In Europe, Liverpool are going to need to dig DEEP and find an historic performance to deliver in Italy next week otherwise the dream of winning the Europa League with Klopp will be dead.