Klopp happy but he’s still looking for sweet spot

JURGEN KLOPP hailed his Liverpool side following a 3-0 Champions League victory over Maribor which puts them on the brink of reaching the knockout stage. However, he admitted they may need to find a new penalty taker after another miss from 12 yards. After a scoreless 45 minutes, second-half goals from Mohamed Salah, Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge sealed a win which leaves Klopp’s men top of their group and three points clear of third place. ‘It was not our best game,’ the German admitted. ‘But, three goals — good, clean sheet — good, eight points — perfect.’ With the score at 1-0, James Milner had a penalty saved — Liverpool’s fourth miss from the spot in a row at Anfield. ‘After you win it’s not a big concern,’ he said. ‘Of course, we don’t like it but the penalty was a really good one — it was a fantastic save. We will find a player (to take them).’ Klopp praised Alex OxladeChamberlain (below), who started only his second game for the club joining in August. ‘For players with speed it’s not too easy in a game like this,’ Klopp said. ‘He showed a lot.’ Other than Milner’s miss, the only blemish was the injury to Georginio Wijnaldum, who came off with an ankle issue. ‘The ankle was swollen at halftime, which is not a good sign,’ Klopp said. Maribor coach Darko Milanic was left to reflect on a secondhalf collapse. ‘We couldn’t play any differently,’ he said. ‘The goal that we conceded gave our opponent energy. ‘I have to congratulate my boys for a

good match.’