Klopp delighted with Liverpool’s title race response

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was well pleased with his team’s reaction to recent results in their 3-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday.

Klopp’s Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with the result and will stay there at last until after Manchester City’s date with Chelsea tomorrow. City can move back ahead of Liverpool on goal difference if they can beat Chelsea who will be eager to return to the top four themselves after ceding the final Champions League position to Manchester United on Saturday.

“We knew we were not happy with our performance in the last two or three games,” said Klopp.

“We don’t want to come through somehow in a game, we want to play convincing football we want to perform. That was the reaction we wanted to show today.”

Liverpool’s return to form coincided with a much-improved display from Mohamed Salah who hasn’t been the sharpest in front of goal in the last few weeks. It took a sublime piece of skill from Roberto Firmino to tee Salah up for Liverpool’s third which wrapped up the three points after first half goals for Sadio Mane and Giorgino Wijnaldum.

“He was pretty much undefendable,” Klopp said of Salah.

“Exactly the football he is able to play and we want him to play. Not only in the scoring moments, in the build up situations as well.

“The goal he scored I don’t think you will find a lot of players who did what Bobby did in that moment.”

Liverpool’s high press worked well against a Bournemouth team that like to play it out from the back, something that Klopp will be pleased with ahead of the return of Champions League football in ten days time.

The coach added: “Our counter pressing was the best for a while, which for us is always a sign for a good game. It was good time to get it back.”

Liverpool vice-captain James Milner again filled in at right back with Trent Alexander-Arnold still out and the veteran was delighted with the team’s effort and the determination of each squad member to make a difference.

“It’s been a tough few weeks with players injured and ill. Georginio Wijnaldum was nowhere to be seen yesterday and then he produces a performance like that,” said Milner.

“Some of the play was mesmerising. We could have scored more.

“We’re very lucky with squad we have, the movement, link-up and understanding. I thought it was a good team performance.”