Thunderballs: Klopp hails lethal Liverpool
liverpool — Jurgen Klopp saluted lethal finishes from Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge as Liverpool kicked off their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Klopp’s side raced into a twogoal lead against the star-studded French champions thanks to Sturridge’s clinical header and a James Milner penalty. Thomas Meunier got one back for PSG before the break and Kylian Mbappe looked to have snatched an undeserved Group C draw for the visitors with his 83rd-minute equaliser.
But Brazil forward Firmino came off the bench to steal the points in stoppage time with a predatory finish. “It was really important we started like we did. We were so strong and good with the ball,” a relieved Klopp said.
“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.
“We scored wonderful goals, they were thunderballs.”
Sturridge was making his first start of the season and his first in the Champions League for six years.
After being sent on loan to West Bromwich Albion last season, the injury-prone England forward’s Liverpool career looked over.
But he has returned fitter than ever this season and already has two goals to his credit.
Daniel Sturridge’s Liverpool career seemed to be heading for a premature end last season but the striker showed on Tuesday he may yet have an important role after taking his chance during a rare start.
It was the 29-year-old’s first start in the competition for Liverpool and his first start in the Champions League since he was part of Chelsea’s title-winning team in 2012.
“It was a great performance from Daniel,” said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp after their opening Group C game.
“The three in midfield also (were great) but they can only do that when the front three play like they do and in that number nine position he (Sturridge) did. He was in the best shape physically since I’ve known him,” added the German.
The forward spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion as they fought in vain against relegation from the Premier League and it was a surprise when he was reintegrated into Klopp’s side during pre-season.
The Liverpool manager had plenty of other striking options as backup last season, but with Danny Ings having been loaned to Southampton and Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi injured, Sturridge was the only real choice to take Firmino’s place. —