Saturday 7 April 2018 16:44, UK
Jurgen Klopp was happy to avoid a "wild derby" as Liverpool emerged from a tame clash with Everton unscathed and with their unbeaten run over their neighbours intact.
Klopp made a number of changes with the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City on Tuesday in mind but Everton were unable to take advantage as the sides played out a goalless draw at Goodison Park.
Liverpool quelled a buoyant start by Everton, looking for a first win over their neighbours in 17 games, and dominated proceedings until a rousing final 15 minutes from the hosts.
Klopp said: "I think it's a fair result. We were better over most of the game and Everton had in the last few minutes a few very exciting moments in our box. Until then we controlled the game, we played the game we wanted to play.
"We were not here to play a wild derby, that would not make sense. It was quite difficult for Everton to get the game they wanted, challenges and stuff like that. It was a good performance, it was not brilliant, but maybe the most mature performance since I'm here."
Klopp admitted in his post-match interview with Sky Sports it was not Liverpool's duty to produce an entertaining display, and joked the club do not have far to travel home from the game.
He said: "I think we controlled around 60, 70 minutes of the game, and then it got quite emotional, which is normal I expected that!
"I am completely fine with the result. Again, clean sheet and good defending. Another point, away, and not long to drive home! So all good, and we prepare for the next game.
"I think until then [the end] it was not exactly the game the people wanted, but it was not our job to deliver that. We were here for getting a result, it's not our 1A solution, but it is 1B."
Klopp changed his full-backs and left out Roberto Firmino and top scorer Mohamed Salah, who was not included in the squad after picking up a groin injury in the 3-0 win over City on Wednesday.
Klopp had maintained the Egypt international had not been ruled out but said: "We didn't even think about him. Why should I?" He is, though, optimistic about Salah's availability for Tuesday. "That's what everyone thinks but at the end we will see," said the German.
