Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool’s success over Manchester United in the Europa League has given their self-belief a huge shot in the arm – and thinks they can go on to win the Europa League.
The Reds claimed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Thursday night to progress into the Europa League quarter-finals 3-1 on aggregate, where they will find out their opponents later on Friday.
But Klopp thinks the aggregate success over their fierce rivals shows the club are heading in the right direction – and gives them added belief going into the rest of the campaign.
“Last night was great. It was a nice feeling. It was a big thing to do to beat Manchester United.”
“Confidence is a flower. If you step on it then it’s away in a second. It is harder to let it grow than die,” Klopp, sporting a Beatles T-shirt, told the media on Friday morning.
“It’s possible to go to the final – but you have to go a long way.
“We did really good [against Manchester United], took all the games very seriously and did what we have to do.
“If you want to win this competition then you have to beat the best teams. It’s not too important when!
“There’s a long way to go, but it has given us confidence. We know a bit more about ourselves.”
Klopp on Liverpool’s playing style
Much has been made about Liverpool’s playing style under the German, but Klopp wants his side to work harder at retaining possession: “We are a possession team – we want to play football.
Jurgen Klopp talks about Liverpool confidence while rocking a shirt with the inscription "The Beatles". #Klopp #LFC pic.twitter.com/rbGYAnkIIt— Soccer60 (@soccer60ng) March 18, 2016
“If we lose the ball in the wrong moment we are not in a good position for counter-pressing.
“It’s important that we feel better in this style of play.
“We try to do our best and get the right result. We have to carry on this way. To play like this, a possession team with a high rhythm and intensive style, then we can get a few points.
