Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool for their best performance of the season after their 6-1 win against relegation battlers Leeds at Elland Road. Klopp was delighted with the team’s counter-pressing and possession play, which saw Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota both score doubles, as well as Cody Gakpo and substitute Darwin Nunez getting on the scoresheet. Luis Sinisterra had briefly reduced the deficit for Leeds early in the second half, but Liverpool soon clicked into top gear and Klopp was pleased with the performance. He said, “The moment in the game I enjoyed the most was the 92nd minute. It’s already 6-1 and we lose the ball and we had four players chasing. From a counter-pressing point of view that was definitely the best game we’ve played this season, in possession probably as well.” Liverpool had taken two points from their four previous Premier League games and lost in the Champions League at Real Madrid since their record-breaking 7-0 win against Manchester United early last month. Klopp admitted he had “no clue where we can end up this season” but was determined to ensure his team put in good performances.
Leeds appear to be in free-fall after conceding 11 goals in their last two games, following up their 5-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace eight days ago with another devastating loss. They have now conceded 60 league goals this season, more than any other side, and remain two points above the drop zone with seven games to play. Head coach Javi Gracia admitted his side’s latest humbling was one of the low points of his managerial career, saying, “It’s hard to manage, of course. I don’t remember in my career if in two games in a row I conceded five, then six goals. I don’t remember that. It’s hard to manage, but I’m here to try to give my best, to try to help the team, to help the club and that is what I’m going to do.”