Jurgen Klopp reacted to Liverpool’s draw at Anfield and commented on the opposition’s underhand tactics during his post-match press conference. Here are five key points from the manager’s comments:
1. “It was super intense, we could create our moments.” Liverpool’s busiest periods of pressure were at the ends of both halves, and Klopp noted that they had to “calm down but increase the pressure” in order to create chances. Unfortunately, none of the shots taken by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott and Mo Salah found the net.
2. Time-wasting “problem is obvious”: Klopp remarked that time-wasting has been a recurring theme throughout the season, noting that “today it was obvious.” However, he noted that enough extra time was added by the officiating team.
3. A poor first half: The Reds struggled to get going in the first half, as Aston Villa played out from the back better than Liverpool did and won more balls in midfield. Klopp noted that “in both departments; with the ball and without the ball, our pressing was not good.”
4. “Not good enough” this season: Klopp admitted that Liverpool were “not good enough” for too long this season, but thought the recent run of form has helped the mood. He praised the team for making it “pretty exciting” and said that their supporters were looking forward to a new Premier League and Europa League season.
5. It was “emotional”: The full-time whistle had barely been blown when James Milner and Roberto Firmino’s tears began to leak. Klopp said the day was “definitely” emotional, as both players had made the decision to leave of their own volition after having made the most appearances under him in his career.