Share

Klopp doesn't care who Reds get in next round

Cape Town - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already accepted that his club will likely encounter tough opposition in the next round of Champions League.

The Reds future in UEFA's premier club competition hung in the balance at the start of Tuesday and Klopp is just grateful his troops emerged from the crucial fixture against Napoli unscathed.

That was thanks in part to another match-winning performance from forward Mo Salah, who has really become the embodiment of this Liverpool resurgence in England and in Europe.

"We have no say in that [who we play in the next round]," said Klopp on Tuesday night.

"We wait for the draw, no problem with that. Until 7.55pm tonight, I was really not sure we would be in the draw still. Now we are in it, how could I sit here and ask for any team? I don't care. We are second in the group, so we will have an outstanding, strong opponent," added Klopp.

Salah breached the opposition defence in the 34th minute of the fixture against Napoli.

However, securing the win - and ultimately passage to the next phase of the tournament - was an enormous undertaking.

Klopp took supporters through what he felt were some of the most crucial moments in that match.

"We did everything tonight we had to do, the boys played an outstanding game," added Klopp.

Among the talking points in Tuesday's fixture was the save made by Alisson in stoppage time - a save which was ultimately the difference between Liverpool advancing or being knocked out of the campaign.

Klopp thinks there was more to the goalkeeper's performance than that though.

"It was not only one save. He had a lot of things to do tonight. How cool and calm he was with the ball helps us a lot in our build-up situations," said Klopp.

"When he comes out for crosses he is outstanding. And that save was just incredible. But if we don't defend the whole pitch like we defended, Ali cannot make 20 saves like the last one.

"He did it… incredible, unbelievable. I never saw something similar. But still he needs the other boys around. And I want to say thank you, Anfield. It was unbelievable what the people did tonight. The atmosphere they created was just so special. I couldn't be more proud of all the people involved," added Klopp, highlighting just how much of a fortress Anfield had become, especially in the face of adversity.

The last 16 draw will take place on Monday, December 17.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1814 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1770 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1079 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 457 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 186 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE