Jurgen Klopp has explained the unexpected reason he was left amazed by his Liverpool team as they romped to victory at Leeds United. Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota both scored twice with Cody Gakpo and substitute Darwin Nunez also finding the mark as the Reds ended a five-match run without a win by handing out a 6-1 beating at Elland Road on Monday night. Liverpool were dominant for the most part – they enjoyed 74% possession in securing their biggest away Premier League triumph in 18 months – with Klopp hailing the counter-pressing shown by his side as the best of the campaign. And the Reds boss pinpointed one incident during injury time that epitomised the effort from his players.
Jurgen Klopp said: “The moment of the game I enjoyed the most was the 92nd minute. The pressing, wow. I think it was already 5-1 or 6-1, and we lost the ball and four players chased it. Poor, poor play from Leeds in that moment. That’s the basis for the whole game. From a counter-pressing point of view, it was definitely the best game we have played this season. In possession, probably as well. Being calm, prepared with little passes, preparing direction in a really good way. At least three goals we scored off the counter-press which is obviously massively helpful, and then we were calm in the decisive moments to pass exceptional balls. Mo’s second was super play from Curtis to Robbo then to Cody then to Mo. A lot of good moments. Last goal, a sensational pass from Trent and Darwin can finish it off. It was a good game.”
As against Arsenal last weekend, Trent Alexander-Arnold was employed in an inverted right-back role that saw him push into midfield regularly. It was from a central area he assisted the first and last goals,
Jurgen Klopp said: “Trent won the ball back for the first goal stepping out in that position. It was good, impressive. The highlight was the last pass but he had a few more in that position. Wherever Trent is he can be decisive with his passes, that’s how it was very often for us. Tonight it was a good game and you could see that he enjoyed it.”