ReactionAndy Robertson: Squad strength key to Newcastle win
Andy Robertson believes Liverpool showcased the strength of their squad in claiming a vital 1-0 win at Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime.
With the Premier League game at St. James’ Park falling in between the Champions League semi-final first and second legs, Jürgen Klopp made five changes to his starting XI.
One of the players to come in, Naby Keita, scored the winner and Robertson was quick to praise the influence of his teammates who stepped up.
Post-match, Robertson spoke to BT Sport. Read on for a transcript…
Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool: Extended highlights
On a gritty win earned by hard work…
Yeah, we worked really hard. Newcastle are in fantastic shape, they’re in the top 10 now so we knew it was going to be difficult. They’ve made their home form count and luckily we got the goal and then I don’t think they had too many chances, to be fair. We had a couple to try to kill the game off but all games are a wee bit nervy at this time of the season and we’re just delighted with the three points.
On Newcastle’s fast start and Liverpool soaking their efforts up well…
Yeah, they’ve obviously had the full week to prepare. Joelinton was causing us a couple of problems early on with the long balls, he was managing to win most of the headers and I thought second half the lads were excellent against him, started winning headers and that made a big difference. They started better than us, yeah, and then we got a foothold in the game. The first goal is always crucial, we managed to get it, and then I think we controlled it a bit better after that.
On the defensive performance…
Yeah, today I thought we were solid. Like I said, they didn’t have many chances from what I remember. They obviously had the ball in the back of the net from an offside but I thought the two centre-backs... I thought Joe Gomez was different class at right-back as well. We need everyone in the squad, we’re blessed we have got everyone fit just now – maybe apart from Bobby, but a lot of us are fit and healthy and fighting for a place in the starting XI. We made five changes today but [James Milner was] Man of the Match, Joe Gomez different class, Naby Keita… it just shows that the lads are coming in and putting in big performances, and we need that from now until the end of the season.
On returning to the top of the table…
Let’s see how long it lasts! But we just have to win our games.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.