Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool should have finished Southampton off

Jurgen Klopp lamented Liverpool's inability to close out victory against Southampton after they gave up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at St Mary's.

Philippe Countinho and Daniel Sturridge scored in the first half as Liverpool looked to be cruising to a significant victory in their quest for European football next season.

However, the visitors missed chances to add to their advantage and paid the price as Saints staged a superb second-half comeback to snatch victory.

"We played a brilliant first half," Klopp told Sky Sports. "We could have scored the third, the fourth, the fifth, whatever…We didn't do it and then the game is still open.

"You have to finish the game in the first half or the start of second half. We have to accept it was Southampton's day, they played well in the second half and we didn't. We didn't get enough goals in the first half so it's our fault."

Liverpool went into the fixture on a good run of form having won four of their last six games in all competitions.

But Klopp thinks tiredness may have set in at St Mary's, with the game coming just a few days after the Europa League last-16 clash with Manchester United.

"When you count all the games we have had and all the games Southampton have had, I think at the end of the season we have had 20 more or something like that," said the German. "How could I blame my players that they are not in the same shape second half?"

Asked about Liverpool's top-four chances, Klopp said: "I don't know about top four. I would say all of you should start more fantasy with your questions because it's always 'yes top four, or no top four'. We are not closer that is clear, it's not the best position."