Jurgen Klopp believes his side “deserved” to come out on top of an “incredibly physical game” against Inter Milan in the Champions League last 16.
Their opponents Inter Milan will move to the top of Serie A if they win their game in hand over AC Milan.
Against Liverpool, Inter showed why they are in such a strong position domestically as they caused Klopp’s side a lot of problems.
Liverpool and Klopp prove Guardiola right in San Siro win
The hosts were in the ascendency for much of the second half as Liverpool were made to defend well.
The English side did just that and they were rewarded for their solidity in the 75th minute. A corner from Andy Robertson was met by Roberto Firmino, who did well to head the ball home past Samir Handanovic.
Mohamed Salah made it 2-0 in the 83rd minute as his deflected effort found the net. That was how it finished so Liverpool are in control going into the return leg at Anfield on March 8.
As quoted by BBC Sport, Klopp stated post-match that Liverpool were “good enough” against Inter Milan even though his side “didn’t finish situations enough”:
“An incredibly physical game and we had to find a way. I think we started really well and played around their formation,” Klopp said.
“Then they came up a bit with the direct play and their switches to the wing-backs. We didn’t defend that too well and our full-backs were alone in a one-on-one situation. It doesn’t work properly like that.
“In a game like this you have to keep the ball longer and that didn’t happen often enough. But you cannot come here and hope you have a brilliant day and that is the only chance to get a result.
“We did not have a brilliant day but a good enough day to be a deserved winner because we scored two wonderful goals.
“Yes, they had their moments but mainly counter-attacks when we lost the ball in the wrong spaces. I am happy with everything apart from Diogo [Jota] going off because of something around the ankle ligament.
“He could play on so maybe that is a good sign. The ankle was swollen at the break so we had to change.
“It was perfect how the boys reacted. All of them want to start. All my respect for Jordan Henderson’s performance today and Naby [Keita], who came on. Luis [Diaz] is so natural when he comes on so that is all very helpful.
“Bobby Firmino needed time to get in the game because he got the balls in the most difficult areas. After he scored the goal you could see the confidence back and all of a sudden the ball was our friend again.
“After the game I couldn’t care less but in the game we didn’t finish situations often enough. Very often, their situations were offside. This really kills me. You can see it is offside but they let it run and then forget to raise the flag.”
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