Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 6y

Jurgen Klopp praises Liverpool's patient display in Maribor win

LIVERPOOL -- Jurgen Klopp was pleased with Liverpool's patience in their 3-0 victory over a defensive Maribor in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Liverpool were frustrated in a goalless opening 45 minutes at Anfield, but kept their place atop Group E courtesy of second-half goals from Mohamed Salah, Emre Can and substitute Daniel Sturridge.

Speaking at his postmatch news conference, Klopp was satisfied with the way his players kept their composure against a deep, organised side for the second consecutive match.

"[Patience] is a very important thing in football," Klopp said. "If you have a perfect start it always make it easier, but if you don't carry on in a good way then the problems come back immediately.

"First half, everybody saw it was not the most exciting football. It was very difficult. We knew they would play like this -- anything else would have been a big surprise.

"There were a few problems we had [in the first half]. It was similar to the last game [against Huddersfield Town].

"At half-time we told the boys we have to, first of all, stay patient -- it is not allowed to be frustrated about different things.

"I'm pleased with the result and the reaction. The game was not the best game we ever played, but before the game we knew the maximum points [total] we could get was eight.

"It's about patience, but it's also about doing the right things with the perfect timing. It's easy to lose patience in a game like this.

"The first half looked a little like this, but the second we were there and decided the game pretty early."

James Milner had a penalty kick saved by Jasmin Handanovic at 1-0, which means Liverpool have now missed their last four penalties at their home ground.

"After you win a game it's not a big concern, but, of course, you don't like this," Klopp said of his side's spot-kick woes. "I thought the penalty today was a really good one. It was a fantastic save as well and you have to respect this.

"I think the last penalty was not too creative, but today it was a really good one. Before that Roberto [Firmino] missed and before that Milly [Milner] missed probably. We will find a player who shoots, for sure."

^ Back to Top ^