Dirk Kuyt says sorry to fans as Liverpool hit new low

Putting the boot in: Dirk Kuyt, battling for possession with Stephen Crainey yesterday, says Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat by Blackpool was one of the worst results since he joined the club
Andrew Hodgson11 April 2012

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has apologised to the club's supporters following yesterday's dismal 2-1 home defeat against Blackpool.

The result ensured Liverpool will remain in the bottom three for the international break after winning just one of their first seven Premier League games so far — their worst start to a season for 57 years.

They were also dumped out of the Carling Cup by Northampton at Anfield on penalties two weeks ago and have yet to impress under new manager Roy Hodgson.

Kuyt admitted the defeat by Blackpool was one of the most disappointing results since he joined the club from Feyenoord in 2006.

"It was really, really disappointing," said the Holland international. "Probably one of the hardest defeats I've had to take since I've been here. We're sorry for the fans.

"We had all worked so hard in training and we thought this was a good opportunity to climb the table but unfortunately it didn't turn out that way. The first thing we've got to do is start winning games again.

"It's frustrating that we have got the international break now because we will have this result hanging over us and everyone in the dressing room wants to put it behind us as quickly as possible.

"We know this result has not helped but we just have to try to focus on the spirit we showed in the second half.

"We have got to make sure we show it in the next game."

That may be easier said than done with a trip to Merseyside rivals Everton up next, especially with doubts surrounding the fitness of star striker Fernando Torres.

The Spain World Cup winner was forced off with a groin injury after just 10 minutes and may miss the derby at Goodison Park on 17 October.

Hodgson said: "I don't know how severe it is but it came as a surprise to us, we had no awareness there were any problems in the groin area."

Liverpool found themselves 2-0 down after Glen Johnson fouled Luke Varney to allow Charlie Adam to score from the penalty spot before Varney grabbed the second himself.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos's pulled a goal back with a 53rd-minute header and, after a sustained spell of attacking, the Greece international could have snatched a draw in the dying seconds only to be brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Matt Gilks.

Blackpool were well worth their victory, a result which leaves Liverpool in 18th place with just six points from seven games.

"There is a lot of work to do and a lot of things to sort out," said former Fulham boss Hodgson, whose side have failed to win in their last five matches in all competitions.

"We were really anxious to get back on the right track but we were unable to do it and no words will make the situation any better.

"It is pointless to try to be positive because we lost the game. It is a very bad day. At the moment things look bleak and really bad and it is difficult for me to put a bright face upon it."

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