Stupendous
> Klopp praises Sturridge after Reds late win over PSG <
JURGEN KLOPP praised the “super game” Daniel Sturridge produced in Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield yesterday, adding he has never seen the striker fitter.
Sturridge scored Liverpool’s opening goal when he rose unmarked to head in Andy Robertson’s cross in the 30th minute, and James Milner doubled the home side’s advantage when he converted a penalty after Georginio Wijnaldum had been brought down six minutes later.
Thomas Meunier’s snap shot gave PSG hope of a fightback before halftime, and Kylian Mbappe looked to have ensured a share of the spoils when he fired low beyond Alisson in the 83rd minute – only for Roberto Firmino, having replaced Sturridge earlier in the second half, to find a dramatic winner for Liverpool in injury time.
But after the match it was the performance of Sturridge, making the first Champions League start of his career, that Klopp chose to focus on.
“Daniel played a super game,” he told BT Sport. “I have never seen him as fit as he is in the moment. He was everywhere. He helped left and right and he was in the box when he was needed.
“Then you can bring Bobby Firmino on and that helps a lot. I loved his goal celebration,” Klopp added with reference to the Brazilian striker’s wild celebration to make light of a recent eye injury that prevented him from starting the match.
The visit of PSG to Anfield was widely expected to provide Liverpool’s toughest test of the season so far but they passed it with flying colours, dominating the French champions in terms of possession and chances while keeping their fearsome attacking trident of Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Mbappe quiet for much of the evening.
“It was really important we started like we did,” Klopp said.
“We were so strong and good with the ball. We changed the system because we expected a change from them.
“We needed all of our focus and we covered a lot of yards and closed all of the gaps.”
Having inflicted the first defeat of the season on the French champions, Klopp believes Liverpool have reaffirmed the credentials that took them to the final of the elite European competition last term.
“The cool development of this club is that when you hear Liverpool are playing PSG you don’t think we have no chance any more,” the German added.
“One, two or three years ago maybe people thought it’s a mountain we cannot climb. That is good that it is not like that now and that is because of last year.
“It’s still so unbelievably difficult. What the boys make of the match plan is extraordinary. One of them a yard less tonight and it’s game over.”
Milner’s goal from the penalty spot capped another outstanding individual performance from the 32year-old in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, and after the match he admitted his relief that PSG had not been allowed to escape Anfield with a point courtesy of Mbappe’s late goal.
“It is the perfect start for us,” he said. “Hopefully we can build on that. I think it would have been very disappointing not to win. They didn’t create too many and we had a number of chances.
“I can’t say enough good things about Bobby (Roberto Firmino). To come off the bench after his injury at the weekend is incredible really.”
Liverpool will look to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season when they host Southampton on Saturday. – The Independent/Reuters