Liverpool’s Champions League journey ended on Wednesday after a goalless draw against Real Madrid saw the Spanish team go 3-1 overall.
The Reds had several fantastic opportunities to score, but a combination of sloppy finishing and excellent saves from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois frustrated Jurgen Klopp’s side all night.
Elimination is a bitter pill to swallow, but Klopp (via Sky Sports News) was open and honest about Liverpool’s shortcomings before revealing what was next for him.
Liverpool striker had a night to forget | Michael Regan / Getty Images
“It was uncomfortable for Real, we were good, we were aggressive, we played really good stuff, had great chances at the beginning of the game. If we used one of them it opens up. They had already fought, it would have increased the.
“It’s a bit on our own this year because we had ridiculous matches here we should have won, not tonight but in the Premier League, where we just did not finish.
“Many times Mo Salah finished this kind of thing. We had many situations and we could have created more because the football we did was better.”
Vinicius Junior was too good in the first stage | GABRIEL BOUYS / Getty Images
“We started the game really well. We did not lose the match tonight, we lost the match in Madrid, it was clear.
“If we had gone 1-0 it would have been a different game but due to the experience of Real Madrid and their situation we had to chase the game and they controlled the game and had counter chess themselves.
“With two good performances, we would have had a better chance.”
Klopp expects a positive reaction from him Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
“It will not happen that it affects us negatively. We are not stupid. We want what we earn. If we do not earn it 100%, we respect the situation that we do not get it.
“Like I said, tonight if we scored an early goal, this game would have been different – I think everyone knows it but it’s hypothetical, we did not. But it now has no impact on the Premier League, apart from what we play not midweeks at least internationally – I’m pretty sure the Premier League will play midweeks if I’m right.
“So we can concentrate and focus on the Premier League – what we will do and what we have to do. But it’s tough just because we’m still not in hot seats, I would say, and we meet Leeds on Monday, so it’s is tough one.
“What can I say? They are leading in all physical statistics in the Premier League quite a lot, so it’s better that you run a lot yourself. We have a few days until then, we will use it and then we will make sure we are ready for that. “
Proud of the performance from the team, but the result is always king. Now to give everything to be with again next season #YNWA pic.twitter.com/vpOWuOVwNy
– James Milner (@JamesMilner) April 14, 2021
“I would say I’m naturally sure, but that does not mean we will end up there. We can only read the table, we know the point, we know the situation and such.
“We know who we play and we do not have to talk too much about it. I now said what we think about it and, yes, we want and we must – and if we want us to play really good football, what we did in Evening.
“But if we want to go through, we should end these situations beyond that because it is also very helpful.”
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