Klopp reacts to Mane discontent; highlights best Liverpool aspect of rout

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp referenced their “funny” result against Aston Villa when picking out a key aspect of their 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace.

The Reds struck early and often as they cruised to a 7-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park

The victory was the definition of a team performance, with no fewer than nine different players registering either a goal or assist.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Klopp said: “It was hard work, a lot of counter attack from Crystal Palace in the first half where we needed a toe or a foot to defend.

“Our finishing in the first half was clinical. Then, 3-0 up at half time the game is not finished but we controlled the game and scored wonderful goals.

“The boys are capable (of this) but it doesn’t happen every week. Today it clicked.

FULL MATCH REPORT: Christmas comes early for Klopp as Liverpool stun Palace with seven-goal demolition

“This is a very intense period, the boys should be very proud of it.”

Liverpool now boast the best goal difference in the league, a fact that was not lost on Klopp after the victory put their 7-2 humiliation at Villa to rest.

“We take a day off tomorrow, then prepare for West Brom, and goal difference wise it is good because of the funny result at Villa.,” added the German.

Sadio Mane appeared visibly unhappy to be substituted prior to the hour mark with more goals there for the taking.

Quick to squash any lingering discontent, Klopp said: “He wasn’t angry because Mo (Salah) came on, maybe because he didn’t stay on till after the free kick. You cannot do everything, they are human beings, but after the game he reacted fine, it was all good.

“Christmas will be good, but the season is not finished, there are a few games to come but we will be ready.”

We can do better – Henderson

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also spoke to the cameras, and despite describing their finishing as “ruthless”, stated that at times the display was “sloppy”.

“I thought we were ruthless today and took our chances which is always important,” said Henderson. “We dominated the game for large periods but I still thought we were sloppy at times. Overall, we’re delighted with the performance.

“To finish this week off with the win after midweek is important and we managed to do that.

“It was coming I felt as over the last few games we have had chances and not taken them which has cost us at times.”

Asked if this was Liverpool’s finest display of the season so far, the captain responded: “In some ways but we don’t just look at the scoreline.

“I thought we were very good midweek and again today so we just need to keep the momentum going and work hard.

“In the first half they had one or two half chances – a little on the counter-attack. They are always going to create something but we limited that today. We managed the game well in the second half.

“Overall, the performance level, we have to be happy. Now we have a week leading to the next game. Then another tough test again.”