Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that he feels proud of his side after beating what he describes as ‘the best in the world’.
Liverpool had put themselves in a fantastic position after the first leg, a game in which they pulled off an impressive 3-0 victory, and followed it up with a 2-1 win at the Etihad to cruise into the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate.
However, the Reds were put under pressure in the second leg, with Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring after just two minutes, while Leroy Sane had a goal inexplicably disallowed – much to the anger of Pep Guardiola.
Speaking after the game, Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Manchester City:
“The problem was that we felt so much under pressure, one against two constantly,” the Liverpool boss said. “The boys found a solution, so it was easy for me.”
Asked about Salah’s clinching strike just after half-time, Klopp said: “We were already through the whirlwind. It [the Gabriel Jesus goal] was on one side the worst start we could have got but on the other side the first question answered. We had come through. The goal made it difficult.
“Over two legs, I really feel we deserve. We scored five goals against Manchester [City] and only conceded one. I didn’t think that was possible. I really think they are the best team in the world at the moment, but knew we could beat them.
“They took all the risk with their starting line-up and it could have worked. But it was clear as well that if they cannot score enough, there is always a chance for us. I would have been nervous if 3-0 down at half-time but still knew we would have had chances too.
“The boys fought so hard tonight, it was unbelievable. After such a difficult start, it’s a great lesson for life. It’s nice we could learn it tonight. We are still in a developmental stage, but already a good team.”
Despite being unhappy with the referee, Pep Guardiola said Liverpool deserved to qualify for the semi-finals.
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