Jurgen Klopp relieved to feel the ‘massive difference’ of victory for Liverpool against RB Leipzig

A first win in three for the Reds to reach the last eight in Europe

(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his Liverpool players after they rediscovered a scoring touch to beat RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

A 2-0 win on the night in what was the Reds’ home leg, played at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, saw them progress to the last eight 4-0 on aggregate.

Klopp’s side created a whole host of chances throughout the game and spurned plenty of earlier opportunities to wrap up the tie. But the manager praised his side for keeping Leipzig, second in the Bundesliga table, largely quiet throughout – with the aim now to be returning to form domestically.

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“We created a lot of chances! Massive chances, didn’t score with them – the 2021 thing we have! The best thing the boys did is that nobody really saw how good Leipzig can be – they are a monster,” Klopp told BT Sport after the match.

“We defended it really well – a big compliment to the boys. They were [outstanding].

“We had to switch off the Premier League stuff, cut off and get here to give it a proper try. They really enjoyed themselves tonight but by doing the hardest and dirtiest work, because it was a big challenge.

“We have to [use the result]. We have to make ourselves ready. If we play like tonight it won’t be easy for Wolves [next Monday night].

“We want to win football games, we feel it tonight for the first time in a while and it makes a massive difference.”

While the manager was pleased with his whole team’s performance, Fabinho came in for particular praise after being restored to central midfield.

“Everybody had a good game. I said to Fab he likes the No 6 [role] more – he couldn’t show it more clear! We all want Fab at No 6. The two centre-halves played an incredible game.”