Monday 29 February 2016 14:44, UK
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insisted it was impossible for Daniel Sturridge to take a penalty in the Capital One Cup final shoot-out defeat to Manchester City.
The England striker did not step-up because he "couldn't walk", according to Klopp. Lucas, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana all missed their spot-kicks as Liverpool lost 3-1 on penalties at Wembley.
Emre Can scored the Reds' first penalty following a 1-1 draw after extra-time before City goalkeeper Willy Caballero made three saves in a row.
Klopp said: "We asked the players and these five players said 'yes'.
"There was no chance Daniel could take one. He had cramps in the last few minutes. He couldn't walk. Everyone who was available took the penalty.
"You need a bit of luck, but you need to shoot a little bit better than we did. They know how it works and today it was not too difficult for their goalkeeper.
"Simon Mignolet was close to the ball a few times. That's how it is and we have to accept it.
"I feel disappointment, because it was a great day until the last shot. We were perfectly organised, and it was a perfect atmosphere, and a great experience until then.
"We tried everything. I can be proud of a lot of things but to be honest I expect we can do these things, so it's not easy to be proud of things you think is normal."
