Klopp insisted that the late arrival of Lallana as a substitute was key to his side conceding an equaliser

Jürgen Klopp said that he would rather end his managerial career than instruct his players to indulge in gamesmanship to see out a match.

Liverpool conceded in the 85th minute at a time when it appeared that they were trying to make a substitution, with Klopp claiming that Willian would not have scored had his switch, and a change to a five-man defence, taken place.

Klopp blamed Michael Oliver, the referee, for the delay to Adam Lallana’s arrival but it emerged that Liverpool were asked six times whether they wanted to make the substitution. The failure to do so led to an argument among the club’s backroom staff.

Liverpool were asked six times whether they were ready to bring on Lallana PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS

The late concession also led to questions about his side’s inability to hold on to a lead