Jurgen Klopp admits his Liverpool side were “not good enough” as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Reds were looking to establish a record 19 consecutive league wins with victory against the Hornets, with Klopp‘s side full of confidence with a 44-game unbeaten run behind their belt.

However, it all came to an abrupt halt at Vicarage Road as the Reds put in a dismal performance, with a double from Ismaila Sarr and a Troy Deeney strike handing Watford a shock 3-0 win.

Liverpool remain on course for a record-breaking Premier League title win, however, the manner of defeat against Nigel Pearson's side will undoubtedly be a worry for Klopp.

It was Liverpool's first defeat in the Premier League since January 2019 but Klopp admits his side have to accept the result as they came up against a well-drilled opposition, with a lot on the line.

“They did exactly what they wanted to do, we did not. That's how football works,” Klopp said.

“The first half was a tough one, a lot of second balls, running here and there. We had the ball a lot but we didn't come in the right positions to cross, the right positions to finish, against a really good, organised side, with a top set-up for this game.

“You have to accept it, it's not so easy, but it's the proof we were not good enough tonight. It's always very difficult. We have to accept if after.

“In the game you have to fight. We were 3-0 down but we still tried, there were no silly situations where somebody got frustrated and tried to kick someone.

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“If you win good, if you lose, try to do it in the right manner and do it like a man.”

There has been plenty of talk about Liverpool going unbeaten for the entire season, however, Klopp has always been adamant his squad are unconcerned by those suggestions, with the mantra of 'one game at a time' prevalent in the players' interviews.

“Tonight we were not good enough. It's not now a plus for me that we look back years later and think Liverpool nearly did it. That's not my main concern. You can't change it,” Klopp said.

“We were going to lose a game at some time, and we didn't wait for it but it was clear it would happen. Tonight it happened and I see it rather positive that we got close to these records.

“Now we can play free football again and don't have to try to get a record. We just have to try to win football games again, and that's what we will do.”