Jurgen Klopp praises Liverpool show 'from start to finish' at Middlesbrough
Wednesday 14 December 2016 23:17, UK
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool were superb from start to finish in their 3-0 win at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night.
Goals from Adam Lallana (2) and Divock Origi meant Liverpool returned to second place after taking just one point from the previous two games.
Liverpool put in a fine performance at the Riverside, stifling their opponents everywhere on the pitch, and the German was delighted with what he saw.
Asked what pleased him the most, Klopp told Sky Sports: "The result and the performance which leaded to the result. From the first minute to the last we were really good, really difficult to play against today.
"Good passing game, in possession, strong, good formation for second balls and counter pressing.
"Maybe not clinical enough in and around the box, a few situations where some would say we should try to shoot.
"But 3-0 against Middlesbrough is more than we could have expected before the game, so everything is good."
Klopp made the bold call to drop goalkeeper Loris Karius after criticism in recent weeks, replacing him with Simon Mignolet.
The Belgian stopper had little to do in the second half, but made two decent stops in the first.
Klopp said: "We've had a few clean sheets, not so often, but Simon did a good job, but I don't think it was the most difficult game for a goalkeeper tonight, which is always a good sign, but he was concentrated, so everything was good."
Liverpool remain six points behind leaders Chelsea, who will be top at Christmas, but Klopp says his side showed they can compete among the intensity at the top of the Premier League.
"Look, what means pressure?" said Klopp. "Really, difficult situations are other things in life, it's better to play football and try to collect points.
"It's quite intense, but the lads showed again today that we can cope with each situation. A very, very young bench, but still a really good side on the pitch, and to be really successful you need to have a bit of luck, especially with injuries.
"We haven't had much so far, but hopefully everything will be good."
