Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool’s ‘super mature performance’ in win over Newcastle United
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his side after they came from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park on Sunday.
The Reds were reduced to 10 men when Virgil van Dijk was sent off in the first half, but two late goals from substitute Darwin Nunez secured the three points.
Klopp was particularly pleased with the performance of new signing Wataru Endo, who made his first start for the club. He said that Endo ‘has no clue on what we actually do’, but praised the Japanese midfielder for his contribution.
Klopp also singled out Nunez for praise, saying that he was ‘fired up’ after being benched, and that his two goals were the result of a ‘super mature performance’.
Liverpool Sign Wataru Endo
Liverpool signed Japanese star Wataru Endo from Stuttgart this summer, and he made his debut in the 3-1 win over AFC Bournemouth last week.
Endo featured for the first 58 minutes of the match against Newcastle before being subbed off, and Klopp was pleased with his contribution.
‘Endo has no clue on what we actually do,’ Klopp said. ‘Macca and Dom as a double six were brilliant. Diogo made a super impact. Sometimes these kind of stories get written, obviously I would be much more happy if we can finish a game with 11.’
Darwin Nunez Fires Liverpool to Victory
Klopp lauded matchwinner Nunez after the match and revealed that the striker was ‘not happy’ about being benched, which left him ‘fired up’ when he came on against Newcastle.
Klopp also feels that Liverpool’s comeback was ‘more difficult’ than their famous Champions League win over Barcelona in 2019, when his side fought back from losing 3-0 in the first leg to win the second leg 4-0 and progress on aggregate.
‘It was much more difficult than the Barcelona game [in the Champions League],’ Klopp added. ‘Today was different. We didn’t start the game well, we conceded a goal and got a red card. Then we played better. At half-time the feeling was there that something was possible. Nunez with a super performance. I don’t think we needed too much luck. We calmed the game down and brought on Darwin, he was obviously fired up from not starting. We had really good football moments. It was a super mature performance.’
Conclusion
Liverpool’s win over Newcastle United was a huge statement of intent from Jurgen Klopp’s side, and it showed that they have the quality and determination to compete for major honours this season.
Klopp was full of praise for his players after the match, particularly new signing Wataru Endo and matchwinner Darwin Nunez.
The Reds will now be looking to build on this result as they look to challenge for the Premier League title this season.