Jurgen Klopp outlined what has made a “big difference” for Darwin Nunez after Liverpool’s sixth straight victory.
Here are the manager’s five most important quotes from the post-game news conference:
Klopp discusses Nunez’s “difference”
Nunez struggled to secure a regular starting position last season, despite his half-decent start to life in England (15 goals in 42 appearances).
However, he has already started two games in a row for the first time this year and is becoming an integral part of Klopp’s squad.
“Massive steps in the last few weeks, he’s a threat,” the boss said when asked why he is performing more frequently.
“I think his goal was quite excellent. Strong and readily available, he was. The main change is the defensive work he does today. Really nice.”
It supports what Klopp spoke about pressing being the “ticket” into the starting XI from last year.
Wataru Endo undoubtedly possesses skills that will benefit Liverpool all season long. He hasn’t yet demonstrated this to them, and Klopp half-joked that being kind has “cost” him.
Superb guy who is calm and courteous. He may have paid for it in the first two weeks! He keeps getting better,” added Klopp.
He will play games and be a great assistance to us. But he is in good health and is a crucial member of the team, so I am glad to have him.
At halftime, what was different?
“The way we played was the problem. They stopped participating in challenges, according to Klopp.
“The goal they scored came on a long ball behind that we didn’t anticipate at this time. We reviewed the situation at halftime and saw that Robbo [Andy Robertson] was unable to call him offside, making it quite evident that we ought to perhaps respond in the center a bit earlier.
Liverpool were “much better in possession” after the break, the manager continued.
What players can take away from the game as the “most important thing to learn”
In recent weeks, Liverpool has leaned on their subs to help them win games, and Sunday’s game was no different.
When they entered the game, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both made a contribution, which led Klopp to remark, “The boys who came on had a tremendous positive impact.
“Yes, Diogo scored the goal, but I thought Cody looked fantastic when he came on.
Besides the three things, clearly, this is the most significant lesson we can take away. This is how we must approach the matter; we must employ every available tool.
Joel Matip put up a fantastic show.
This season, Matip hasn’t been at his best, but today he handled Michail Antonio well.
