Liverpool 0-3 Atalanta: Italian press lambast Reds after shock defeat

Kostas Tsimikas was labelled a 'disaster', while Jurgen Klopp was accused of underestimating his opponents by the Italian press after Liverpool's 3-0 defeat t0 Atalanta on Thursday.

The Reds fell to a shock defeat at Anfield in the first leg of their Europa League quarter final, with hopes of ending Klopp's final campaign as manager with new silverware hanging by a thread.

The Europa League remains the only major trophy Liverpool have qualified for but not lifted under the German's tenure. However, they now need to overturn a three-goal deficit in Bergamo next week or be eliminated.

Should they fail to mount an improbable comeback in Italy, Thursday night's loss will mark a deeply disappointing final outing for Klopp at Anfield in Europe.

Despite dominating possession, the Reds got their tactics wrong and left themselves wide open to Atalanta, who might have scored more on the night but for Caoimhin Kelleher who made four saves on the night.

READ MORE: 5 talking points from Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Atalanta

Slated in the ratings

Few players came out of the game with any credit in Anfield Watch's player ratings, while major Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport's report was even more scathing.

Kostas Tsimikas, who was withdrawn at half-time, was described as a 'disaster' and given just 4.5/10, while no defender received more than a 5.

In fact, only Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott received a higher score, with 6/10 ratings.

Meanwhile, the worst rating of all was saved for Klopp who was given a 4/10 as a result of underestimating Atalanta.

Speaking after the match, the manager admitted there was "nothing positive" to say about the game.

However, the boss is not giving up just yet and insisted there is still a chance that his side pull off the improbable next week in the return leg.