It’s only “half-time”, warns Jürgen Klopp. But there was only one incident in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Inter Milan that the coach didn’t like.
Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah are back from the Africa Cup, but now Liverpool FC are threatened with another absence in attack: Diogo Jota was forced to leave Wednesday night’s Champions League round of 16 first leg at Inter Milan early.
The in-form Portuguese, who has scored 17 times in competition this season, was unable to play in the second period. “His ankle was swollen at the break, that’s why we had to change,” coach Jürgen Klopp reported after the game. The swelling was “not a good sign, but we have to wait and see. Tomorrow we will examine it as early as possible. “
Klopp praises the “perfect reaction” of his eleven
Inter had posed Liverpool serious problems at times and put them under constant pressure. Roberto Firmino, who replaced Diogo Jota, scored in the 75th minute to put the visitors in front. And because Salah also scored in the closing stages (83rd), Klopp can go into the second leg on 8 March with a commanding 2-0 lead.
“It’s only half-time,” the coach warned in his usual manner, but praised the “passionate” defensive work and the “perfect reaction” of his eleven. “I’m happy with everything – apart from Diogo having to come off. “
The jokers were the main contributors to the away win: While winter newcomer Luis Diaz had some good scenes and convinced Klopp with his “natural” ability to be in the game immediately, the coach acknowledged Roberto Firmino’s teething problems.
“It took him time to come in because he got the balls in the most difficult areas,” Klopp explained – and yet the ex-Hoffenheimer made the difference with his goal: “When he scored, you could see the confidence come back and all of a sudden the ball was our friend again. “
Liverpool wrestled control of the game away from Inter – and bring only one worry back to England with Diogo Jota’s ankle.
