The Liverpool coach spoke after his team’s victory against Real Madrid at Anfield.
How to summarize what happened?
Not everything was perfect in this match. In the first half we dominated, but we created few chances and lost a lot of easy balls. In the second half, we were more patient, waiting for spaces to become available. For example, during the first seven minutes they didn’t come out of their own half, it was 100% domination.
How is Konaté?
I don’t know yet. I know more or less what’s wrong with him and where he’s hurting, but what exactly is wrong with him… no. We’ll see. This Sunday, I hope Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas will be back. But if not, there will be another one. All the players I selected defended well.
Are we on cloud nine after winning such a match?
It always helps, because you have great players in front of you. It would mean even more if it was an elimination match. The feeling, because it was a League phase match, is different. We are very happy. Of course we are.
What did you think of the Bradley match? He even delivered a decisive pass!
A decisive pass? I didn’t know he made an assist! He’s in a fantastic period, like the whole Academy. Like Kelleher or Curtis Jones. The fact that three of our young people are excellent is a good thing. Conor played very, very well, but I’m not surprised. He’s a great player and he showed it last year. He always does.
Will it be difficult to bring Alisson back?
Every decision I make is difficult because we have a very, very high quality squad. Today it’s not about Alisson, but about Kelleher. Someone who had Mbappé in front of him on a penalty, with everyone watching, this atmosphere… it was a sure goal and he stopped it. A special moment for him. I hope it makes headlines.
What did you say at halftime?
I insisted on the effort. In a match of this level, it is very difficult to dominate for 90 minutes. But you have to be aggressive, run and run. And in the end you will benefit, you will see the fruits of your labor. We had prepared the match to stop Vinicius and without him we didn’t know how Madrid would play. At halftime we knew how they wanted to play.
What did you do to bring this great team to life?
We haven’t changed much, just a few tweaks. Those who are here are used to playing against the big teams in Europe. This team has always played against them. The last few years it was a little different, but we needed some adjustments. We are happy, but without losing our minds. This club wants more than winning group matches.
What can you say about Gravenberch?
He had a very good match, which was not easy because he received a yellow card very early, but he is still very comfortable on the ball. We wanted to have possession of the ball and it’s a pleasure to have it. He always asks for it and always gives it to the players with whom we threaten the opponent. He also appreciates the overall performance of the team.
The next Kroos?
No, because he is Dutch (laughs).
Personal satisfaction
You have to know that it’s very special to play against a team that has won the Champions League so many times. They have been a nuisance to Liverpool for many years. It’s an important week and it’s a pleasure to see it.
