Liverpool scored all their goals in the second half to keep pace with Sevilla at the top of Group E. Liverpool scored all their goals in the second half to keep pace with Sevilla at the top of Group E. Jurgen Klopp speaks after Liverpool overcame a pedestrian first half to beat Maribor 3-0.
LIVERPOOL -- Jurgen Klopp was pleased with Liverpool's patience in their 3-0 victory over a defensive Maribor in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Liverpool were frustrated in a goalless opening 45 minutes at Anfield, but kept their place atop Group E courtesy of second-half goals from Mohamed Salah, Emre Can and substitute Daniel Sturridge.
Speaking at his postmatch news conference, Klopp was satisfied with the way his players kept their composure against a deep, organised side for the second consecutive match.
"[Patience] is a very important thing in football," Klopp said. "If you have a perfect start it always make it easier, but if you don't carry on in a good way then the problems come back immediately.
"First half, everybody saw it was not the most exciting football. It was very difficult. We knew they would play like this -- anything else would have been a big surprise.
"There were a few problems we had [in the first half]. It was similar to the last game [against Huddersfield Town].
"At half-time we told the boys we have to, first of all, stay patient -- it is not allowed to be frustrated about different things.
Liverpool scored three second-half goals to see off Maribor on Wednesday.
"I'm pleased with the result and the reaction. The game was not the best game we ever played, but before the game we knew the maximum points [total] we could get was eight.
"It's about patience, but it's also about doing the right things with the perfect timing. It's easy to lose patience in a game like this.
"The first half looked a little like this, but the second we were there and decided the game pretty early."
James Milner had a penalty kick saved by Jasmin Handanovic at 1-0, which means Liverpool have now missed their last four penalties at their home ground.
"After you win a game it's not a big concern, but, of course, you don't like this," Klopp said of his side's spot-kick woes. "I thought the penalty today was a really good one. It was a fantastic save as well and you have to respect this.
"I think the last penalty was not too creative, but today it was a really good one. Before that Roberto [Firmino] missed and before that Milly [Milner] missed probably. We will find a player who shoots, for sure."
Georginio Wijnaldum was forced off through injury after 17 minutes and was subsequently replaced by Jordan Henderson.
Klopp said he saw the midfielder's ankle was swollen at half-time, adding that means it is "probably not a good sign."
Meanwhile, Dejan Lovren (thigh) and Philippe Coutinho (adductor) both missed the Maribor game, with Klopp admitting it is unlikely the latter will recover in time for Saturday's trip to West Ham United.
"I would say it will be really close," Klopp added. "I don't think Phil is able to play, but with Dejan we have to see.
"It is different with Dejan. It's not the same problem Phil has and he is not out for that long a time, but Gini [Wijnaldum] is out so maybe there will be a wonder or something like this and Phil is in. But I don't think, in the moment, that he can play."
Glenn is ESPN FC's Liverpool correspondent. You can follow him on Twitter: @GlennPrice94.
Comments
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.
Source: espn.co.uk