Liverpool booked their place in the last 8 of the UEFA Champions League after knocking RB Leipzig out by 4-0 on aggregate.
It was the Reds’ first win in all competition since their 2-0 away win against Sheffield United some 12 days ago.
Jurgen Klopp spoke to the press after the match and here is what he had to say as per Liverpoolfc.com.
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Will Liverpool now target the UCL?
The Reds now sit 7 points off the top 4 with 10 games to play in the Premier League.
As the mountain back to the Champions League grows by the game, it seems like if the Reds wish to play in the competition next season, they may need to go all the way and win their 7th UCL title in May.
“It is kind of, but as well not because the only reason you play in this competition is because you want to win it. I am not silly, we know so far this is not a season which it will look like we will win the Champions League in the end, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to go as far as possible and then we will see what is possible for us. Now we have to wait for the draw; it will be extremely tough games whoever we get, but we don't really think that far, we don’t have to. We think from tomorrow about Wolves and then I don't know when the draw is, to be honest.”
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The overall performance...
The German spoke highly of the Reds’ display on the night. He said:
“Yeah, but the performance led to that. The performance was very important, the level we played tonight was really good and was necessary as well because Leipzig is a tough opponent. We did really well, I have to say. Defending-wise, it was good. The last line, the two centre-halves did really well and with the three-up front, of course it helps with Fab playing in the No.6, it gives Gini freedom in other areas and this kind of thing. Thiago did well, the front three worked well together, defensively first and foremost but offensively then it worked out as well.”
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Fabinho back in midfield
The Brazilian was superb this evening back in his natural number 6 role. He lived up to his nickname of ‘Dyson’ as he cleaned up any potential problems for the back four and was composed as ever in possession.
On his inclusion back in the midfield three, the manager said:
“It was my hope before the season [Fabinho playing in midfield] and during the season it didn't happen, so we have to see what solutions we can find for the next games – for Wolves first and foremost. Of course, No.6 is his position, one of the best in the world in that position, it’s clear. It was not only defending-wise really good from him, he played some good stuff as well. [He is] important for us.”
Liverpool’s stand in centre back was absolutely sensational in Hungary and in real time it felt as though he won every single areal battle that he contested on the night.
When asked about the ex-Bolton man’s performance, Klopp said:
“What a boy he is, what a player he is, what a night it is for him. That's absolutely great. The concentration level he shows now nearly week in, week out since he's playing for us is absolutely incredible. He's doing exactly the right things in the right moment. In the air he's a monster but you could see it today, he's football-wise not bad, really good. I couldn't be happier for somebody than I am for Nat in this moment because it was a great game and not a lot of people get the honour to play a Champions League game. He has that now, he played a really good one, he won it and he's qualified for the last eight in Europe – that's really special.”