'Not great' - Jurgen Klopp urges Liverpool to 'do better' after nervy Sheffield United win, praises 'game-changing' subs
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Updated 04/04/2024 at 21:58 GMT
Liverpool eventually came away from their clash with rock-bottom Sheffield United with the three points they were expecting to earn, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. The visitors drew level in the second half and it took two goals in the final 15 minutes for the Reds to claim a win to move back to top spot, leading Jurgen Klopp to tell TNT Sports that his team "have to do better" in the run-in.
Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool showing his appreciation to the fans at the end of during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sheffield United at Anfield on April 04, 2024 in Liverpool, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool “have to do better” after they needed two goals in the final 15 minutes to beat bottom side Sheffield United, but was delighted with his “game-changing” substitutes.
Conor Bradley’s own goal just before the hour mark led to a nervy conclusion at Anfield as the Reds looked to return to top spot in the Premier League table.
But a bullet strike from Alexis Mac Allister and late third from Cody Gakpo ensured that they avoided a slip-up to re-establish a two-point lead over Arsenal at the summit of the standings.
“Our general game until we made the changes was not great. So that’s what we have to admit,” Klopp told TNT Sports after the game.
“Not enough tempo. It’s tricky, they had such a low block. I know it’s difficult, but you have to do better. The dynamic, the accelerations, the speed.”
Klopp was encouraged by the impact of his substitutes, with Gakpo coming off the bench to score Liverpool’s third from a cross by another replacement, Andy Robertson.
“Robbo came on and we could use the wing, we changed system to a 4-4-2, which helped,” Klopp said.
“Both wings were a bit more open and that was the game changer. Then Macca [Mac Allister] mishits the ball and it goes in the far corner, so you need them as well!
“I’m really pleased for Cody, who came on and was incredibly good on the ball, scored a wonderful goal.
“Robbo good, Harvey [Elliot] good, Curtis [Jones]good. They were just really helpful, that’s how it is.
“You have to change games from the bench and that’s what we did today so I’m really happy with that.”
With eight games remaining in the Premier League season, Liverpool are out in front, but they face a tough fight to the end in a three-horse race for the title.
Arsenal are two points back in second, with reigning champions Manchester City a point further back.
“It's not about being perfect, but to win games you should perform at your highest level and that’s what we didn’t do for quite a while today,” Klopp added.
“In the end we were deserved winners and it’s all good.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk pointed to slow starts as an area for improvement ahead of a trip to face rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford next Sunday.
“We could have gone behind quite early. We have to start games much better, much more aggressive, and that’s something we have to work on,” the Dutchman said.
“But it says something about the team, the resilience, how we bounced back and how we could change the game. At this stage it’s all about the points, you can’t drop anything.”
Van Dijk was also asked about how he chooses to influence the young players in the squad, with the likes of Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch and Elliott all 21 years old or younger.
“‘Keep calm’ is definitely something I try to implement. The boys have been doing outstandingly and it’s big credit to them,” Van Dijk explained.
“But there will be nervy moments, when we’re playing at home, it’s 1-1 and all of a sudden the defence starts to get a bit nervy and the atmosphere is starting to get a bit nervy, you have to stay calm and not try and rush things.
“You have to enjoy it as well, I think that’s the main thing. These boys are doing incredibly and we have to keep doing that and see where it brings us.”
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