Klopp on Chester win, Keita and Fabinho debuts and Sturridge brace
Jürgen Klopp admits he wasn’t satisfied with Liverpool’s first-half showing during Saturday’s 7-0 win at Chester FC, but felt his side were much improved following the interval.
The Reds secured a resounding victory at the Swansway Chester Stadium in their first pre-season friendly of the summer on an afternoon in which Naby Keita and Fabinho made their debuts for the club.
Two first-half goals from Harry Wilson set them on their way before James Milner (penalty), Ryan Kent, Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge (2) struck in the second period.
Afterwards, Klopp explained why he felt there was room for improvement in his side’s opening 45-minute showing and gave his verdict on the Reds’ two debutants.
Read on for a transcript of his post-match press conference…
On whether he was satisfied with the performance and result...
First half, I was not happy, of course. The game was not good, it looked stiff. To be honest, it's not that I [spend] five hours on the line-up and think, 'that will fit together'. They have to work together in pre-season, especially in the first game. Yes, we worked hard during the week; yes, the pitch is dry; yes, the wind makes the pitch even drier - that's not nice. The opponent [was well] organised, so sure it was difficult first half, we didn't play good football. Second half was much better, with two or three players more who have played together so it was easier of course for the players to show up. Naby, especially, looked pretty [good]. Good signs.
On Daniel Sturridge's two-goal showing...
I saw a lot of good things from Daniel so he needs more that he can still impress me. I know about his quality. A very positive week, very positive today, he looked really good.
On Keita and Fabinho's first week...
It's hard for them. You know we always measure the heart rates and, if you don't speak the language, you already have a 100 [bpm heartbeat] when you listen to me! That's how the first week is but it's all good. Fabinho, today, was not too easy, it was not a good half and it was difficult to find his [way] in the game. Naby did much better second half but that's how it is. We know about the quality, we don't test these boys, a few others had a test. The young lads need to show up in games like this, 100 per cent, but they have another two/three games to do so.
On what Keita and Fabinho will bring...
Quality. Naby comes from Leipzig, knows the football philosophy, it's a very similar one. [He is] very sharp in the challenges, very quick in mind in these situations for counter-pressing, it looks kind of natural, which is good. Monaco played a completely different style so Fabinho probably needs more time to adapt to that. But he is a fantastic football player as well; a good passer, speed is good, challenges are good - a proper defensive midfield player with the opportunity to be [in defence] as well, which is good. If you want to be part of our squad you need to be good, and these two boys are.
On the reception for Loris Karius...
I'm not sure if I should have expected something different but it was nice, absolutely nice. The wind was difficult, as a goalkeeper. We need to cool down the whole situation; let's play football, let's work on our weaknesses and use our strength and then everything will be good.
On the welcome afforded to Liverpool by Chester…
It’s fantastic; the reception was brilliant and the people were really nice. I tried to sign as many as shirts and programmes as possible. Wonderful weather and we showed up because they are neighbours for us and that’s what we’ll do next week on Tuesday and Saturday. I like to go around the corner to play football games because it helps all of us, so it makes more sense.