Jurgen Klopp names two qualities Liverpool needed more of in ‘enjoyable’ Chelsea draw; insists Harvey Elliott is ready
Jurgen Klopp enjoyed Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea despite the fact that they could have got a better result – but there were two qualities he wanted to see more of.
Liverpool went behind when Kai Havertz scored a sensational header after a Reece James corner midway through the first half. But they were presented with a way back into the game when James was sent off for a handball on the line. In the process, Liverpool won a penalty, which Mohamed Salah scored.
Despite having a man advantage for the entire second half, Liverpool were unable to break past a stubborn Chelsea rearguard and had to settle for a point.
There will be plenty of time after the international break to build up some form, but Klopp saw this as one point gained rather than two dropped.
Klopp told Match of the Day: “Our press in the first half was absolutely exceptional.
“Chelsea are dangerous in all situations and that’s how they scored the goal. I think we all agree we could have defended it better.
“Everything was enjoyable apart from the result. I saw two very good football teams. It was a great first half from us and actually a good second one because it’s so tricky when you play against nine defenders and have to create and create.
“Could we have done better? Yes. But it’s early in the season.
“For sure we should have made more of the advantage. We have one point more than before so let’s carry on.”
Klopp had no complaints about the decision that led to Liverpool’s equaliser, which left opposite number Thomas Tuchel unsure.
The Liverpool boss said: “I think it was a clear handball.”
He continued: I was happy with the first half performance – even though we were 1-0 down. I would have loved us to have a bit more greed and determination. Apart from that I liked the game, I liked the atmosphere.”
Klopp enthusiastic about Elliott
One player who was among Liverpool’s most likely to create was Harvey Elliott, who kept his place after an impressionable performance against Burnley.
The young attacking midfielder rose to the challenge of a game against a tougher opponent. Klopp insists the 18-year-old can be a key player for him this season.
He said: “When you are old enough to drive a car you should be old enough to play football games.
“He is in the right place. He’s a smart player. He didn’t look tired for a second and kept going.”
READ MORE: Tuchel ‘not even sure’ about rules, but explains how Chelsea adapted with 10
The post Jurgen Klopp names two qualities Liverpool needed more of in ‘enjoyable’ Chelsea draw; insists Harvey Elliott is ready appeared first on TEAMtalk.