Klopp rates Ajax win with his best at Liverpool
Anfield was empty, the Liverpool team depleted by injury and it was hardly a vintage performance but the 1-0 win over Ajax Amsterdam on Tuesday still left manager Jürgen Klopp bursting with pride.
“Honestly since I was at Liverpool this feels like one of the biggest Champions League nights. Without supporters it was the most important, most difficult, most exceptional,” he said.
“With the circumstances, there hasn’ t been much to smile about; it’ s been tricky, and the boys threw themselves into the game, the German said after his side secured top spot in Group D.
“Robbo (Andy Robertson) had a proper knock on the ankle but pushed himself through. Hendo (Jordan Henderson) had a sore back; Gini (Wijnaldum) I have no words — for him. Curtis Jones, what a game, It’ s amazing, Im really proud.”
The 19-year-old Jones got the second-half winner and was one of the brightest players in the midfield battle. Curtis is a really good kid, a “good player and I am happy to have him around. Sometimes with injuries there is always an opportunity and he takes it,” he said.
Klopp had another injury headache to contend with before the game, with U21 keeper Alisson Becker ruled out with a hamstring strain. Irish U21 keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was picked ahead of the more experienced Adrian.
“I really think Adrian has done a fantastic job for us. He kept a lot of clean sheets, played everywhere. But now we need the natural football playing ability of Caoimhin Kelleher.
“He is a good shot stopper as well. We made that decision but you never know how they are going to cope. I am really happy with how calm he was and how good he was,” Klopp said.
Kelleher made a vital save in the closing moments to make sure of the three points. That s what I m there for. I “’ ’ work every day in training to make sure I am ready and I was able to make a good few saves,” he said.
“It was an amazing one for me, to make my Champions League debut was huge and we got the win and qualified. A great night.”