Football news - Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool believe they can beat any team in world
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ByEurosport
Updated 19/09/2018 at 06:27 GMT
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp believes his players have proved there is "no mountain they cannot climb" after stepping up a level to clinch a dramatic victory over Paris St Germain at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp reacts at the final whistle during the UEFA Champions League group C football match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on September 18, 2018.
Image credit: Eurosport
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino struck a stoppage time winner as the Merseyside club beat PSG 3-2 in a thrilling Champions League Group C clash on Tuesday.
Having inflicted the first defeat of the season on the French champions, Klopp believes Liverpool have reaffirmed the credentials that took them to the final of the elite European competition last term.
"The cool development of this club is that when you hear Liverpool are playing PSG you don't think we have no chance any more," the German manager told reporters.
One, two or three years ago maybe people thought it's a mountain we cannot climb. That is good that it is not like that now and that is because of last year.
"It's still so unbelievably difficult. What the boys make of the match plan is extraordinary. One of them a yard less tonight and it's game over."
Liverpool will look to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season when they host Southampton on Saturday.
Daniel Sturridge's Liverpool career seemed to be heading for a premature end last season but the striker showed on Tuesday he may yet have an important role after taking his chance during a rare start in the Champions League win over Paris St Germain.
Brazilian Roberto Firmino was left on the bench after suffering an eye injury in Saturday's Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur, allowing Sturridge to step into the side.
It was the 29-year-old's first start in the competition for Liverpool and his first start in the Champions League since he was part of Chelsea's title-winning team in 2012.
"It was a great performance from Daniel," said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp after their opening Group C game.
The three in midfield also (were great) but they can only do that when the front three play like they do and in that number nine position he (Sturridge) did. He was in the best shape physically since I’ve known him.
The forward spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion as they fought in vain against relegation from the Premier League and it was a surprise when he was reintegrated into Klopp's side during pre-season.
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James Milner of Liverpool celebrates with teammate Daniel Sturridge after scoring his team's second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on September 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United
Image credit: Getty Images
The Liverpool manager had plenty of other striking options as back-up last season, but with Danny Ings having been loaned to Southampton and Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi injured, Sturridge was the only real choice to take Firmino's place.
He responded by opening the scoring on the half-hour with a fine header and throughout the game Sturridge was a strong physical threat and effective link-up player.
Firmino had recovered enough to come of the bench and grab the added-time winner but Klopp was pleased with both forwards, especially as the Brazilian looked set to miss out completely.
The day before yesterday (there) was no chance (for Firmino to play), and yesterday. We only had one session this morning with Bobby but it was time you have to show faith in your squad, it was nice to see Daniel tonight and he paid it back 100 percent. Then to be able to bring Bobby on after 70 minutes was nice.
Klopp was pleased with the way his side took the game to French champions Paris St Germain and dealt with their potent attacking trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.
It was good, really good. It was difficult to defend but we did. All eleven players were involved in that. It was a strong performance and that was necessary. The atmosphere was fantastic, so special. It was nice.
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