In the last game of the year, something very special happened to Liverpool FC: Thanks to two own goals, Jürgen Klopp’s team happily won. The trainer suffers with the double misfortune. He joins a very small club of big misfortunes.
A happy evening for Liverpool turned into a sporting nightmare for Belgian international Wout Faes. Even Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp felt sorry for the 24-year-old defender after the flattering 2-1 win over Leicester City on Friday night, who scored two own goals. “Yes, yes, I had that once in my career – that a player scored two own goals. I really feel for him,” said Klopp after the game and the second win in a row after the World Cup break.
Three days after the 3-1 win at Aston Villa, the hosts came under pressure after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s early lead for Leicester (4th minute) and needed the help of Faes, who played between the 38th and 45th minutes. Very unlucky goal twice in the minute. According to data service provider Opta, the Belgian is only the fourth player in the Premier League to score two own goals in one game. “You can’t have more bad luck. But these things happen. The boy will of course survive,” said Klopp. Centre-back Faes only joined the 2016 English champions from Stade Reims in September for around €17m.
With the fourth point three in a row, Liverpool has re-established contact with the European starting places. “If it’s only 2-1 against a good opponent, then you have to fight your way through. We did that and I’m happy with that, but of course we have to play better,” said Klopp after the happy win.