Ipswich Town Shows Character Despite Loss to Liverpool

Issa Diop insisted Ipswich Town showed character despite being punished early in their 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool at Portman Road.

Ipswich were rocked inside the opening 10 minutes as Liverpool struck twice, leaving the hosts staring at a long night against one of the division’s heavyweights. The damage was done early, but Diop refused to dwell on the start and instead highlighted the reaction that followed.

"It's even harder when it's again Liverpool and a top side like that," the defender told BBC Radio Suffolk, reflecting on the brutal opening spell.

The hosts tightened up, regrouped and began to carve out opportunities of their own, refusing to let the contest drift away from them. They chased, pressed and tried to haul themselves back into the game, even as Liverpool controlled key moments.

"The good thing is the response after conceding the second goal was good," Diop said. "We stuck together, we reacted well. We could have done better in different ways. You can always do better when you concede goals so we can work on it this week and we will be ready to face Crystal Palace [at Selhurst Park on Saturday]."

For Diop, the defeat stings, but the dressing room remains united and optimistic.

"We have a good group with good coaching staff so I'm very happy here," he added, turning quickly towards the trip to Crystal Palace and the chance to show that resolve counts for more than one bad start.