“Tomorrow we won’t do much,” says Klopp and says goodbye with a laugh
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Relief after the final whistle: Jürgen Klopp hugs James Milner after an exciting game against Villarreal
What: Getty Images/David Ramos
Jürgen Klopp is in the final of the Champions League for the fourth time in his career. After Liverpool FC’s turbulent second leg against Villarreal, the coach analyzed in his usual entertaining way. Before that, he celebrates the opponent’s fans.
Nafter the final whistle Jürgen Klopp could laugh again. The Liverpool coach stood with his players on the pitch at Villarreal FC, smiled and waved to the crowds, where the Reds fans who had traveled with them were celebrating their entry into the Champions League final. Klopp kept patting the Liverpool crest on his chest. Previously, the German coach had seemed much less relaxed at times when his team was 3: 2.
“Cool, I’m really happy. The second half was better than the first,” Klopp began the analysis in a good mood on the Amazon microphone. “It all started the way you don’t want it to be. They got going, the stadium was on fire. Villareal bought the guts from us and we just bluntly banged the balls behind the line.”
His players also agreed. “They played a very good first half,” Trent Alexander-Arnold told BT Sport. “We changed our minds during the break, grabbed the chance and did what we had to do.”
Klopp also thanked the Spanish fans for the extraordinary atmosphere in the small Villarreal stadium
Which: dpa/Jose Breton
In his analysis, the Liverpool coach also addressed his team’s lack of ball security against the highly motivated Spaniards, who were pushed forward by their fans. “We left holes, that was crazy. That was stupid, but thank God it’s easy to improve,” said Klopp, who “explained a few things on the tactics board” during the half-time break. The substitution of Luis Diaz has made his team much more flexible on the offensive.
Klopp impressed by Villarreal
When asked about the atmosphere in the Estadio de la Cerámica, the Liverpool coach, actually spoiled by Anfield Road in Liverpool, went into raptures. “What they pull off here is crazy. The squad is outstanding, Unai Emery really got the players going,” said Klopp, who also applauded the Spanish fans with thanks and appreciation after the final whistle. “I think the stadium is awesome. The atmosphere in here is indescribable.”
When asked about the strenuous end of the season, in which Liverpool FC can still win four titles, Klopp said: “Tomorrow we won’t do much.” Then the 54-year-old laughed heartily and said goodbye in the direction of the dressing room.
