Liverpool (dpa) – Jürgen Klopp was enthusiastic. “We played a really good game for 95 minutes. Great goals, a top-class performance,” said the coach after Liverpool FC’s well-deserved 2-0 (0-0) win in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against FC on Wednesday villa real.
The former Dortmund champion coach didn’t want to know anything about a preliminary decision before the second leg next Tuesday: “It’s only half-time. There are still 90 minutes. It will be a completely different atmosphere. We have to make sure that we are ready for it.”
FC Bayern Munich experienced a nasty surprise when they lost 1-0 in Villarreal in the quarter-finals. But if the Spaniards want to land another coup against Liverpool, they have to improve considerably. Because the Europa League winner had nothing to counter the constant pressure from the Reds. “Our counter-pressing was really good. That made it difficult for the opponent, but the game isn’t over yet. It’s going to be tough in Villarreal,” said Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, already focusing on the Premier League task in Newcastle on Saturday.
Historic four-pack within reach
Because the title hunger in Liverpool is huge, the historic four-pack beckons. They’ve already won the League Cup, they’ve reached the FA Cup final against Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel, and Liverpool are just a point behind long-time rivals Manchester City in the league.
Former LFC striker and international Michael Owen believes the Klopp team can make a big splash. “It’s actually impossible, but now you think it can happen. The way they play, their beliefs,” Owen enthused on BT Sport, emphasizing: “It was total dominance. It’s the best team I’ve ever been in seen in a red jersey.”
Even Rio Ferdinand, once a star defender at arch-rivals Manchester United, was delighted: “They are relentless with and without the ball. It’s the way they put teams under pressure, the energy, the commitment, it’s amazing.” Looking at the quadruple, Ferdinand added: “If they achieve it, they are immortal, they are above anyone who has played the game in this country.”
A cross from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson (53′) and star striker Sadio Mané (55′), deflected into the goal by Pervis Estupinan, sealed the Klopp team’s victory against Villarreal.