Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was pleased with the fighting spirit shown for victory over Champions League opponents Napoli.
Klopp said he was delighted with the response his team showed after Saturday’s shock defeat against Leeds ended a 19-month unbeaten Anfield record in the Premier League and believes the performance will instill some confidence ahead of Sunday’s visit to Tottenham.
“I saw the reaction I wanted to see,” Klopp said. “We all agreed we had to show a reaction and we did in a very difficult game against a really good opponent. We were compact so it was never easy for Napoli to play out.
“You see a football playing side when they could. We saw how good they are in one versus one situations and collectively as well, but we did really well. We kept the spaces small and all of a sudden we found challenges.
“We have the challenges so we can win the challenges. The distance was there, a lot of good counter-pressing moments and good football moments. Second half, after the disallowed goal for Napoli, it got a bit hectic. I understand, everybody was now up to speed.
“We lost a little bit in too many situations for Napoli in counter-attacks. We weren’t compact enough anymore and they had had more moments. Calmed that down a little bit and scored two really nice goals. We showed the right determination. We were there for the rebounds and finished it off to win the game. Very good.”
He added: “We don’t doubt the quality, I don’t think anyone doubts the quality but that is a little bit part of the problem as well. So we show inconsistency. That is why I mention the second goal against Leeds, you have to defend with all you have.
“That is where we have to make a proper step back and we did that. We defended with all we have tonight, were compact, close to the challenges and then showed the determination we have to show. We are Liverpool, a top team.
“Nobody forgot what we did last year. The boys didn’t forget that but it now isn’t important really. I know people might get sick of it when I keep saying it but we really have to fight through and in that moment, then the football has a good chance to come back.
“The real football that we can play. But we showed everything tonight, pieces of really good football and defensive stuff was on a high level. Napoli is in the moment a real force so it could be extremely difficult for us but the boys played a really good game.
“That’s why it was not. We need consistency and stability. We will take the right conclusions from this game even though the next will be a difficult game. We will take the good stuff out of this game and start the next fight against Tottenham.”
