- Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool did not have their ‘best game’ against Maribor
- But the German is happy to collect the three points and move onto the next tie
- Liverpool went into the break at 0-0 but scored three times in the second half
- Klopp reserves special praise for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for his performance
Jurgen Klopp hailed his Liverpool side following a 3-0 Champions League victory over Maribor which leaves them on the brink of qualification for the knockout stage.
After a scoreless 45 minutes, second half goals from Mohamed Salah, Emre Can and substitute Daniel Sturridge sealed a comfortable victory which leaves Klopp’s men top of Champions League Group E and three points clear of third place with two matches to play.
‘It was not our best game,’ the German admitted on a night when patience was called for. ‘Three goals – good, clean sheet – good, eight points – perfect.’
Jurgen Klopp is happy to take the three points and move on as Liverpool beat Maribor 3-0
With the score at 1-0, Klopp saw James Milner have a penalty saved – Liverpool’s fourth miss from the spot in a row at Anfield.
‘After you win it’s not a big concern,’ he said. ‘Of course, we don’t like it but the penalty was a really good one – it was a fantastic save. We will find a player (to take them).’
Klopp reserved praise for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who played only his second full 90 minutes for the club since his £35m August move from Arsenal.
James Milner missed a penalty in a performance that had as many concerns as positives
‘For players with speed it’s not too easy in a game like this,’ he said. ‘He showed a lot.’
Other than Milner’s miss, the only blemish on an eventually routine evening, was injury to the influential Georginio Wijnaldum, who came off in the first half with an ankle issue.
‘Nobody spoke to me so far,’ Klopp said. ‘The ankle was swollen at half time, which is probably not a good sign. We saw a kick, I’m not sure if it twisted or not.’
Maribor coach Darko Milanic was left to reflect on a second-half collapse.
‘We couldn’t play any differently,’ he said. ‘The first half was very good. The goal we conceded gave our opponent energy. At the end I just have to congratulate my boys for a very good match.’
Klopp reserved special praise for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his promising display