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Premier League | Gameweek 31
Apr 17, 2023 at 8pm UK
Elland Road
Liverpool logo

Leeds
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Liverpool

FT(HT: 0-2)
Gakpo (35'), Salah (39', 64'), Jota (52', 73'), Nunez (90')
Fabinho (42')

Jurgen Klopp makes 'best game of season' claim after Leeds United win

Jurgen Klopp makes 'best game of season' claim after Leeds win
© Reuters
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that his side produced their best counter-pressing and possession performance of the season in Monday's 6-1 thrashing of Leeds United.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that the Reds' 6-1 win over Leeds United was their "best game" of the season from a counter-pressing and possession point of view.

The Merseyside giants travelled to Elland Road on Monday night at risk of going six games without a victory for the first time since Klopp took charge in 2015.

The Reds got off to a slow start against Javi Gracia's side as a collection of sloppy passes bedevilled them, but Klopp's men found their ruthless streak once they settled into the game.

Two quickfire efforts from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool two goals to the good before the break, but Luis Sinisterra capitalised on an Ibrahima Konate error to halve the deficit early in the second period.

However, the Whites were soon overwhelmed by Liverpool's merciless attackers, as Diogo Jota bagged a brace alongside another effort for Salah and a last-gasp Darwin Nunez strike.

Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates scoring against Leeds United on April 17, 2023© Reuters

Speaking to the media in his post-game press conference, Klopp could not remember a better counter-pressing or possession display from his side all season long, as they moved to within two points of seventh-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.

"It was, from a counter-pressing point of view, definitely the best game we played this season. In possession probably as well," Klopp told reporters.

"Being calm, prepared with little passes, preparing direction in a really good way. At least three goals we scored [came] after counter-press, which is obviously massively helpful.

"Then we were calm in the decisive moments to pass exceptional balls. I think Mo's second was super play, I'm not sure if it was Curtis to Robbo, then Cody, then playing the ball to Mo. That was really, really good. A lot of good moments; the last goal was a sensational pass from Trent and Darwin could finish it off. It was a good game."

There were some milestone moments for a pair of Liverpool's attackers at Elland Road, as Jota - who endured a difficult start to the game - scored his first two top-flight goals of an injury-hit season after setting up Salah in the first half.

Luis Diaz also made his long-awaited return from a knee injury off the bench - making his first appearance in over six months - and Klopp was unsurprisingly delighted to see the Colombian back out on the field.

Trent Alexander-Arnold pictured for Liverpool on January 7, 2023© Reuters

"Yeah, super-important, so Luis is back. He's now lacking rhythm, which is normal, [and] a bit of sharpness, but that's normal as well," Klopp added.

"In training sessions you cannot get there to the final degree of sharpness, so we now try to just help him [get there] step by step back really into the team [and] give him minutes. It's just nice to see him play, to be honest. We missed him so long, so it's just nice to see him being involved again."

The German also reserved special praise for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who provided two assists in a hybrid midfield role, and Klopp affirmed that the England international can come up with game-defining moments from any area of the field.

"He won the ball back for the first goal from that position as well, stepping really out there - it was good. Yeah, impressive. I think also the highlight was then the last pass [his assist for Nunez], but he had a few more from that position," Klopp added.

"Wherever Trent is [on the pitch] he can be decisive with his passes, he was very often for us, that's how it is, tonight was a good game, you could see that he enjoyed it."

Next up for Liverpool is a return to Anfield for the visit of 18th-placed strugglers Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

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Leeds United manager Javi Gracia pictured on April 17, 2023
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