Klopp hails ‘exceptional’ feat by his record team
Jurgen Klopp praised his Liverpool record-breakers as “exceptional” after they set a new benchmark across the five major European leagues of 61 points from the first 21 games of the season – never before accomplished by a side in those competitions.
A goal from Roberto Firmino gave Liverpool the victory that takes them 16 points clear of the nearest side, Leicester City, who lost at home to Southampton, a result that means Manchester City can go into second place with a win over Aston Villa today. Klopp’s side are now 38 games unbeaten in the league, accruing 104 points over that period, a points record for any side in a 38-game spell in Premier League history.
Asked about the record, Klopp said: “I am really trying to respond in an appropriate way but when somebody told me I didn’t feel anything, to be honest. I’ve been in football 50 years and if somebody told me it was going to happen, I’d have said it was not possible. So, I don’t know what is wrong with me. It’s really cool and it’s exceptional and I told the boys. It [the record] is obviously very exceptional, otherwise teams would have done it before.
“We didn’t think [about the record] before the game and after the game somebody had to remind me of it. Maybe after five years or so I will think about it but, for now, all I can say is that with all we have, we try to create a base for the rest of the season. There are a lot of tough games to be played and the next game [against Manchester United] is especially tough. We have to make sure we are ready for that. Today was difficult and we made it a bit too difficult for ourselves but that is not to forget or underestimate the quality of the other team.”
Spurs captain Harry Kane underwent surgery yesterday on the ruptured tendon in his left hamstring. Jose Mourinho, the Spurs manager, said: “It would be very easy for me to say that all the low crosses [Spurs had in the second half], Harry Kane – one touch one goal, two touches two goals. I don’t want to speak about him. He’s irreplaceable.”