Jurgen Klopp reiterates ‘Inter are a really, really good side’ after Liverpool lost 1-0 at Anfield, but still progress to the Champions League quarter-final.
“The difficulties we had were pretty close to what I expected. Inter are a really, really good side, set up for these kind of games,” Klopp told BT Sport.
“Without playing brilliantly, we had clear-cut chances. Over the two legs it’s completely fine that they won one and we went through. We could’ve done better against an opponent that makes life uncomfortable.”
Champions League | Liverpool 0-1 Inter (2-1 agg): Martinez magic not enough
The Reds hit the woodwork three times this evening, twice from Mohamed Salah after the initial Joel Matip header off the crossbar.
Lautaro Martinez won it at Anfield with a stunning solo strike, but Alexis Sanchez saw red moments later, ruining hopes of a comeback from the 2-0 first leg result.
“It was a really interesting game. In the end we lost the game which obviously is not cool, we didn’t come here to lose a home game,” added Klopp.
“The opponent caused us problems, but if we had used our chances, we win this game. We lost a lot of simple balls, which can happen and when the ball was in the air it was like slapstick with the wind.”
Liverpool had won all seven of their Champions League games this season until this defeat.
“The counter-press was not really there. We were around challenges but not in challenges and we didn’t get the momentum, that’s what we were lacking.”
Klopp also spoke to Sky Sport Italia and added this.
“Compliments to Inter, to Mister Inzaghi, he has a really strong team, tactically hard to play, but we are through to the next round and that’s what counts.”
Arturo Vidal displayed some serious courage with this block 😳🧱#UCL pic.twitter.com/dJ4GyMtTJL
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 8, 2022
Forza Inter
You get that sense that the balance needed exists between keeping cool heads and firing up at the same time. Liverpool have a bit more experience for that matter in Champions’ League games; but if Inter can keep growing the coming year, they can get to the top. Problem is the stability in the club is nowhere near a club such as Liverpool – and that makes it really hard to follow that maturing process in general.