Jurgen Klopp states what he was most afraid of throughout Monterrey clash

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has stated that he was “afraid” of extra-time occurring in Liverpool’s FIFA Club World Cup semi-final clash against Monterrey.

The game was evenly poised at 1-1 going into stoppage-time, but substitute Roberto Firmino scored the winner in the dying moments to secure a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.

Klopp was delighted that the Brazilian scored to win the game, but he was also delighted that he scored because it meant Liverpool did not have to play extra-time.

“I was actually afraid of extra time so I was more than happy that Bobby scored that goal,” Klopp told the media.

“We had to do a few changes because we had no other options but we wanted to do some other changes which meant we left Trent, Bobby and Sadio [Mane] off.

“I didn’t see it go in because there were so many players in front of me but I saw the reaction of the goalkeeper so I could start celebrating.”

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DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between Monterrey and Liverpool at Education City Stadium on December 18, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

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On winning another game late, Klopp added : “Staying on track is part of our game so I don’t think we can plan it but we should not think it is impossible.”

There is no denying that extra-time would have been a disaster for Liverpool. The club have had such a hectic December. The last thing Klopp’s side needed was more minutes on the pitch, especially with the final against Flamengo on Saturday.

The Reds are already dealing with a number of injuries, meaning there was a possibility another player could go down in extra-time.

However, there was always a sense that Liverpool would win the game late. They have done it on a number of occasions throughout this season.

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Source: anfieldhq.com