Klopp waxes lyrical about his players

Jürgen Klopp was in high form after Liverpool produced an impressive masterclass Wednesday (June 24), thumping Crystal Palace 4-0 at Anfield to stand on the brink of a historic league victory. Klopp’s musings included not only his players form but also the football philosophy he espouses – Gegenpressing.

“Before this part of the season, I said to the boys I want to see the best behind closed doors football ever,” the German manager said after the game.

“I’m not sure it was the best football, but it was for sure the best counter-pressing behind closed doors ever.”

“The attitude we showed tonight, the passion we showed was exceptional and we played some outstanding football to score the goals we did”

“In my job normally I have to calm things down. But that’s not important tonight.”

“I can have it, but we want it back. Then when we have it back we do some good stuff.”

The goalscorers on the night were Trent Alexander-Arnold from a superb freekick and Fabinho who produced not just a masterclass on the night but also a looping pass to Mohamed Salah, for the second goal just before halftime.

Fabinho saved his best for the third goal. After receiving a pass from Andy Robertson, he took just one step and one look from 35 yards and unleashed an unstoppable shot that blasted past Hennessy in goal for Palace.

Sadio Mane began the move for the final goal with a pass to Firmino who turned his marker before passing to Mo Salah close to the centre circle and the Egyptian produced the perfectly weighted pass with his weaker foot to tee up Mane, who placed the ball beyond Hennessy.

Klopp added: “The boys themselves love the way we play. That made us successful and they want to do these things.”

“I don’t want to be too positive about it, but I don’t find any negatives in this game. If I was trying to search for negatives I can’t remember we could have scored more but that’s football. The way we played tonight was really exceptional.”

Liverpool can win on Thursday night if Manchester City fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Another positive of the night was the introduction of the Liverpool youngsters, Fullback Neco Williams and Harvey Elliot and how they slotted in nicely towards the end.

“When the kids came on, they were involved immediately and they could have scored.”

“This game will last in my mind for a while. This is where we want to be. This is what we have to show against each and everybody.”