KLOPP: WE BEAT BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD

JURGEN KLOPP claimed his Liverpool side beat ‘the best team in the world’ with their demolition of Manchester City but warned his players the job is only half done. Three goals in the space of 19 frenzied first-half minutes gave Liverpool a 3-0 win and put them firmly in control of their Champions League quarter-final going into Tuesday’s second leg. ‘It was really, really good,’ said Klopp. ‘We beat the best team in the world. I have never been part of the best team in the world but I always knew it is possible to beat them. It is rare because they are so good. ‘If I answer your questions the way you want me to, Pep Guardiola only has to put the newspapers in the dressing room and say, “Look what Klopp said!” We have to work like hell. We are not in the next round. Why should I celebrate it?’ City’s team bus was pelted with missiles by Liverpool supporters before the game, but Guardiola said that had nothing to do with the final score and insisted his side still had a chance to reach the last four. The City boss said: ‘The result is tough but I don’t have the feeling we are out. ‘In the first half, we were more direct, we didn’t create chances, but the second half was much better. We have to accept it. We knew we had to score a goal. Maybe they defended more but it is what it is and we have to accept it. And now in two days we have United at home and two days later we have Liverpool at home, so we will see what happens.’ Mohamed Salah opened the scoring — his 38th goal of the season — after 12 minutes, with Alex OxladeChamberlain doubling Liverpool’s lead eight minutes later and Sadio Mane scoring the third. ‘It was really good,’ said Klopp. ‘They were two different halves. In the first we were very active, perfect in the spaces, lively closing the gaps. We used that really well, scored three fantastic goals. But we know we still have to improve.’ There were concerns for Liverpool when Salah was substituted with a groin problem early in the second half. Klopp says the issue is not serious but his availability for the return at leg will be touch and go. Klopp said: ‘Since I am here, nothing good without a bit bad. Mo came to the sideline and said he felt something. That was enough for me to not even ask the doctor. After the game I asked him and he said he feels fine so we have to wait for the diagnosis.’ Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will miss the second leg after picking up a booking.