Hayes believes Reds’ second-place finish will “haunt” players

Chelsea Women’s Manager Emma Hayes believes Liverpool’s second-place finish in the title race this season will “haunt” them.

The Reds finished as runners-up despite beating Wolves on the final day at Anfield.

And Hayes thinks Jurgen Klopp’s side will be unable to avoid dwelling on their failure to lift the trophy at the end of what was a superb season.

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“There’s one thing I sensed around that time, that they got so excited about winning the title, they perhaps didn’t keep applying the very things that were getting them from game to game, but it’s easy to criticize that,” Hayes said.

“When you’re in that position and you start to see that, not being able to close that out, will haunt them.”

Former Hull City and Brighton midfielder Liam Rosenior joined the conversation and defended Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“They got 97 points,” said Rosenior. “They didn’t lose it. Whoever won it absolutely earned it.

“These are two of the best teams of this era. There are no egos, there are top, world-class players. For me, to get 97 points… they lost one game!”

Hayes continued: “I’ve been in that position and nearly blown it. I know how that feels when you’re comfortable and start looking upwards.

“I think when you’re in that position, the most important thing to do when you’ve got excitement is to temper it massively, because it’s just human to feel that way. That’s not criticism – they’ve been absolutely brilliant. But the reality is they were seven points, almost three games, ahead.

“Only the players and manager will know what slipped away at the key moment, irrespective of how fabulous they’ve both been.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com