Klopp has lauded Joel Matip’s performance in Liverpool’s victory over West Ham United after the defender got the better of forward Michail Antonio.
The Jamaican international made headlines this week on his BBC podcast after insisting that David Moyes’ side would have the better of Liverpool at Anfield and finish above the Reds this season.
Despite only beating Liverpool three times as a player, he had scored five goals from his previous 13 meetings with Klopp’s side before Sunday's match
Klopp would play down Antonio’s early miss, putting it down to windy conditions - but he was delighted with how Matip kept the forward quiet
Klopp
“It feels really good because before the game, it was clear, we play Thursday, West Ham as well, and you arrive here, really tricky opponent,”
"And then on top of that, with the first whistle the wind starts. I didn’t remember before the game that it was windy, then we get out.
“You saw it this time with the big chance of Antonio, the header he missed. I’m pretty sure if the wind is not there, that is even more dangerous.
“Makes it very often a 50-50 situation in these moments. You have to get the ball down on the ground, keep playing, try again, learn from the game, use the formation as much as you can and then defend with all that you have and that’s what we did.
"Joel Matip with a super performance against Antonio. It's a key moment in the game, they chipped the ball there. I don’t know how often in the past we suffered when we could control the ball.
“Today he had it once or twice and immediately the chaos starts. He did that really well.”
Klopp added
“Ali with an unbelievable save at an important moment. Macca, lost the first ball or second ball. I don’t know.
"But then started really playing and was really there,” Klopp said as he started to go through his side. “Dom similar, really playing, stayed in the game until late, until the end.
“Darwin and Lucho after Thursday, Mo top top top involvement in the defensive stuff. Obviously, offensively everybody knows.
“I don’t want to miss anyone. Curtis good, Virg, Robbo, and then most important thing, the boys who came on had a super positive impact.
"Yes, it’s a goal from Diogo but I really thought Cody came on and looked really, really good.
"This is the most important thing we can learn, besides the three points. That is the way we have to deal with this situation. We have to use them all.
“Too many games. Thursday-Sunday is a tricky one. We have to get used to that. And for today, really happy.”
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