Jeremy Jacquet
Jeremy Jacquet
Liverpool suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season on Wednesday, losing 3-2 to Fenerbahce in Istanbul and ending their perfect start to the league phase.
Trey Nyoni opened the scoring in the 25th minute with his first senior goal, but Mason Greenwood equalised four minutes later with a deflected free-kick.
Substitute Alexander Isak restored Liverpool’s lead in the 69th minute, scoring with his first touch from Cody Gakpo’s cross. However, Archie Brown levelled again before Vedat Muriqi headed in the winner in the 79th minute.
Andoni Iraola was critical of Liverpool’s defending after the game, describing the goals conceded as “cheap” and pointing to mistakes from a free-kick, corner and long throw.
Defender Jeremy Jacquet has now sent a message to supporters following the disappointing result.
Taking to Instagram, the 20-year-old wrote: “Learn and come back stronger. Thanks for your support, we go again Sunday Reds.”
Jacquet was involved in two of Fenerbahce’s goals. Greenwood’s free-kick took a deflection off the defender before beating Alisson, while Muriqi outmuscled him in the build-up to the winning goal.
Speaking on TNT Sports via BBC Sport, Ally McCoist criticised Jacquet for turning his back in the defensive wall, describing it as poor defending from a player who has otherwise enjoyed a good season.
Iraola also highlighted the need for his defenders to deal better with physical challenges, pointing out that Muriqi won the ball against three Liverpool players.
The Spaniard added that the atmosphere inside the stadium made communication difficult.
Jacquet completed his move from Rennes on July 1 in a deal worth up to £60 million. He also started Liverpool’s 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal last Sunday.
The two defeats represent Iraola’s first consecutive losses since taking charge at Anfield.
Isak admitted Liverpool had been “a bit sloppy” after surrendering the lead twice against Fenerbahce, insisting the team must respond by returning to winning ways on Sunday.
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