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Jurgen Klopp insists that Liverpool’s win over Ajax is “ one of the biggest Champions League nights we’ve ever had ” as the injury-stricken Reds seal the top spot in the group, and the boss Anfield reserves special praise for the young Caoimhin Kelleher and Curtis Jones.
- Liverpool moved to Champions League knockouts with a 1-0 win over Ajax
- Curtis Jones’ strike made the difference between the two sides on Tuesday
- Jurgen Klopp described the victory as one of the most important in European competition.
- The Reds were indebted to rookie goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who stood out
Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool’s win over Ajax as one of the biggest in Europe when they reached the knockout stage with a game to spare.
The Liverpool manager got emotional at the final whistle and paid particular attention to goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, striker Curtis Jones and young right-back Neco Williams for the roles they played to ensure a 1-0 success which means they have won the Group. D.
Klopp has been involved in some dramatic group stage games at Anfield, against teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Spartak Moscow and Napoli, but, even without fans in the stadium, he felt this was comparable due to the circumstances at hand. that Liverpool have faced.
Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool’s win over Ajax as one of the most important in Europe
The Reds beat their Dutch opponents 1-0 thanks to a goal by Curtis Jones (above) in the second half
Honestly, since I’ve been in Liverpool, it feels (like) one of the biggest Champions League nights that (we’ve had) and without a doubt without a fan, it was the most important game, the most difficult and the most exceptional. . ‘Klopp said.
“ Hendo had a proper hit to the back, Gini (Wijnaldum) played any numbers game, I don’t mean.
I hope I can continue. We defended like hell. Not that we played the best football.
“This is the situation we find ourselves in, that’s what you think of it and we are leaders of the group after the fifth day and we have never done it before. It’s unbelievably good. ‘
Klopp was in debt to rookie goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher on his Champions League debut
The Irishman made several crucial stops, including a late one from Klass-Jan Huntelaar (above)
Klopp handed out the hugs at the final whistle to Neco Williams and Andy Robertson
Kelleher’s performance, making his Champions League debut, was huge. He made a superb save from Klass-Jan Huntelaar in the final minutes to preserve Liverpool’s lead and vindicated Klopp’s decision to put him ahead of Adrian to replace striker Alisson Becker.
“I really think Adrian did an amazing job for us when it came last season and at the beginning of the season, I don’t know how many clean sheets,” Klopp said.
‘The Super Cup final, the Champions League, was played everywhere, but in this game, we needed Caoimhin’s natural ability to play soccer and because he is also a very good shooter.
‘We made that decision and then you never know. All the guys are calm at the moment they receive the information, but there is a difference being there on the field and I am very happy with how he handled it and how calm he was and how good he was. It was a good game.
Kelleher added: ‘It was amazing. The most important thing was to achieve victory.
Fortunately, I was able to make a few stops. That’s what I’m there for. It’s quite easy for me because when the players in front of me return the ball, they always take the easy options.
Klopp also praised match winner Curtis Jones, who benefited from a mistake by Andre Onana to give Liverpool all three points.
Curtis Jones was the hero of the night when he scored the only goal to send Liverpool
The young man kept his composure to tap from a tight angle after Andre Onana’s mistake.
He said, ‘He’s a good boy to be honest. He is a really good player and I am very happy to have him around. Sometimes it is so.
“When you have problems, there is always an opportunity for someone else and he took it exceptionally well and I am very, very happy for him.”
Klopp also revealed that he shared a few words with teenage right-back Neco Williams, who made an excellent change just days after being hooked at Brighton for a steamy first half in which he took a penalty.
‘We had a long talk this week. We both think he has a lot more on the locker than he’s shown thus far, but that’s exactly the situation when the time is right for a child to enter.
“ The season started after a really difficult summer with blocking and nobody knew when we could continue and a short preseason and then all of a sudden Trent left with Covid and then him [Williams] he has to play early and was not in the best shape in the games at the time.
All players have these moments. Then you are on the big stage. That’s not easy, but tonight he showed at least glimpses, it can even be much better, but tonight he showed that everything is fine. ‘
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