Jürgen Klopp insists Liverpool’s victory over Ajax is “ one of the biggest nights of the Champions League we have had ” with the Reds taking the lead in the group – with the Anfield coach keeping special praise for players Kaweimhen Keeler and Curtis Jones.
- Liverpool moved to the Champions League after winning 1-0 over Ajax
- Curtis Jones’ strike was the difference between the two sides on Tuesday
- Jürgen Klopp described the win as one of his biggest win in the European competition
- The Reds were indebted to budding goalkeeper Kawimhen Keeler who outdid
Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool’s victory over Ajax as one of his biggest wins in Europe as it reached the knockout stage with a game in a row.
The Liverpool manager was passionate at the final whistle and paid special attention to goalkeeper Kawemin Keeler, goaltender Curtis Jones and young right-back Nico Williams for the roles they played in their 1-0 victory which meant they won in Group D.
Klopp participated in some dramatic matches in the group stage at Anfield, against teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Spartak Moscow and Napoli, but – even without fans on the field – he felt this was similar due to the conditions Liverpool faced.
Jürgen Klopp described Liverpool’s victory over Ajax as his biggest win in Europe
The Reds beat their Dutch rivals 1-0 thanks to a goal by Curtis Jones (over) in the second half
“ Honestly, since I was in Liverpool, I feel like one of the biggest nights of the Champions League that we have had and for sure, without fans, it was the most important, toughest and most exceptional match. Klopp said.
Hindu had a heavy kick in the back, and Jenny (Wijnaldum) played any numbers game, I don’t want to say.
‘I hope he can continue. We defended like demons. It’s not that we played the best football.
“This is where we are, it’s what we’re doing and we’re at the top of the group after the fifth round and we’ve never done that before. It’s incredibly good.”
Klopp was indebted to budding goalkeeper Kawimin Keeler on his Champions League debut
The Irishman made several crucial stops including a late stopover from Klass-Jan Huntelaar (above)
Klopp threw the hugs at the final whistle against Nico Williams and Andy Robertson
The performance of Kelleher, who was making his Champions League debut, was phenomenal. He made a wonderful save from Klas Jan Huntelaar in the final minutes to keep Liverpool ahead and prove Klopp’s decision to play with him against Adrian to replace Alison Baker.
“I really think Adrian did a great job for us when he came last season and early in the season – I don’t know how many clean sheets,” Klopp said.
“ The Super Cup Final, the Champions League, he played everywhere, but in this match, we needed Caoimhin’s natural ability to play soccer and because he’s a really good goalkeeper too.
We made that decision and after that you never know. All players feel calm the moment they get the information, but there is a difference between being there on the field and I’m really happy with the way he handled him, how calm he was and how good he was. It was a good game.
Kelleher added, “He was amazing. The most important thing was to win.
“Luckily, I managed to save some balls. That’s what I’m there for. It’s very easy for me because when the players in front of me return the ball to me, they always make the easy choices.”
Klopp also praised the player Curtis Jones, who took advantage of Andre Onana’s mistake to give Liverpool the three points.
Curtis Jones was the night hero as he scored the only goal that sent Liverpool through
The young man maintained his composure to take advantage of a tight corner after Andre Onana’s fatal mistake
He said, “He’s really a good kid to be honest. He’s a really good player and I’m really happy to have him. That is the case sometimes.”
“When you have problems, there’s always a chance someone else has taken advantage of it exceptionally well and I’m really happy for it.”
Klopp also revealed that he had shared some words with teenage right-back Nico Williams, who switched the pound just days after entering Brighton in the rough first half as he missed a penalty.
We have talked for a long time this week. We both thought he had a lot more in the closet than he has shown so far, but this is exactly the situation when the time is right for a little boy to come in.
The season started after a really tough summer with the lockdown and nobody knew when we could go on again and a short pre-season, then all of a sudden, Trent went out with Covid and then [Williams] He had to play early and he wasn’t at his best at that point.
All players have these moments. Then you are on the big stage. It’s not easy, but tonight he showed at least glimpses – it could even be a lot better – but tonight he showed that everything is good.
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