Jurgen Klopp declared himself highly satisfied with the display of his team after it racked up an emphatic 4-1 win at Manchester City on Saturday — but remained adamant Liverpool can perform even better.
“It was very satisfying, but whether it is was the best (performance) I am not sure,” Klopp said. “I rarely compare games.
“Tonight was very good, but it was not perfect because we can defend better and stay in the game better when we have a 3-0 lead.
“But when you win 4-1 against Man City it should be a very good performance — and it was very good. It was deserved.”
Liverpool’s intentions and game plan were clear right from the first whistle as it pressed and harried its opponents all over the field.
Operating as Liverpool’s two furthest forward players, Coutinho and Firmino were outstanding in closing down and regaining possession, causing the City defense no end of problems in the process.
Firmino’s goal was his first since moving to the Reds from Hoffenheim in the summer and capped a fine display.
“I told you a few weeks ago I knew about his quality,” Klopp said. “He trained for 10-12 days with us without interruption, which is very important.
“He was with us at Melwood, the same as Phil Coutinho, and that was the reason we played like this in a formation like this. We tried to put as many players as possible on the pitch who had trained together in the last 12 days.
“They did well, but everyone could see Roberto could have used one chance more maybe — they were big chances. But he had a good match, of course.”
The victory at the Etihad means Liverpool has won four of Klopp’s first eight games in charge, drawing three and losing one.
The German feels it was another key step forward in the development of his squad.
“For us, it’s not important what is different — what is important is that we can see and feel things develop, that there is a development in our game,” Klopp explained.
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Thumbnail photo via LiverpoolFC.com
