Klopp: Liverpool were still dominant against Newcastle

Despite Liverpool’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Newcastle, manager Jurgen Klopp sees reasons for optimism.

Liverpool were 2-0 up at Anfield against Newcastle and absolutely cruising into the halftime whistle. Then in the second half, after a particularly hopeful, mundane cross resulted in a goal for Newcastle, Liverpool were unable to withstand pressure and drew 2-2.

Obviously the result is disappointing, but manager Jurgen Klopp found reasons for optimism.

“In the first half we were clearly the better team and we were clearly the better team in the second half too, only not around the two goals we conceded,” said Klopp, via Liverpoolfc.com. “Two shots on target and two goals – it sounds not too good and is not too good. But in this moment we have to accept it.”

Liverpool played midweek, again, as Newcastle didn’t. So the fact that Liverpool dominated on heavy legs speaks volumes.

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“We really did well in a lot of parts of the game. We cannot think about the reason [why we didn’t win] too much, to be honest. We have to carry on and work,” said Klopp. “Today, especially the first half was really good. In the second half after the draw, usually the game can change but it didn’t. We were still dominant and we played football. In an intensive game, after an intensive game, against a rested opponent, we did really well.”

But no matter what, two dropped points at home is two dropped points at home.

“2-2 feels not too good but we have to accept it and we can accept it,” said Klopp.

There was a potential penalty shout for Liverpool, something Klopp thinks should have been given.

“But you then need a little bit of luck in decisive moments; it’s an inch on the boot and the ball goes there,” said Klopp. “We had this penalty situation [with Sturridge] – I think it was a clear penalty.”

Speaking of Sturridge, Klopp praised the striker.

“He is in the best shape for a few months – I don’t know for how long, but 90 minutes is no real problem and that’s good. You cannot see a difference between the first 60 and the last 30,” said Klopp. “For us, it’s very, very important. It was a wonderful goal very early in the game. It was not a real chance to be honest, but he made the best of it. It was good.”