Klopp: There is room for improvement but we are happy with the end result

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Jurgen Klopp has spoken of his joy as the the European champions opened the new Premier League season on Friday evening with a 4-1 victory over a gallant Norwich outfit. However, the manager was quick to point out that that there is plenty of room for improvement.

The Reds had put the game to bed in the first 45 minutes, with goals to Mo Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Divock Origi and a own goal by Norwich captain Grant Hanley.

But the Canaries gave the scoreline some respectability in the second half courtesy of Finland striker Teemu Pukki. 

Sky Sports reported the manager saying that the the game was split into two sections.  

"It [the scoreline] tells the story of the first 60 minutes. 

"We were really sharp from the first whistle, we did what we wanted to do and we scored goals. 

Klopp was very impressed with what he saw from the Canaries.

"Norwich are good and now a lot more people know it.

"They showed up and it was difficult for them in the first 60 minutes but after that, staying that cheeky and staying that lively is impressive. 

"It was really good and there are so many good, young players in that squad. I liked a lot what they did.

 

Klopp said after a somewhat disjointed pre-season with many absentees, he was just happy to clinch the three points as they look to negotiate the early stages of a new campaign.

"We have to learn some things that are not completely new, and if someone had told us before the game we were going to win 4-1, we would have taken it.

"They were good but we deserved the three points, which is the most important. 

 

Klopp pinpointed defensive intensity as something the team can work on in the weeks ahead.

"The main problem today defensively was the reaction to the second balls. 

" We won all the headers but none of the second balls in the first half and that kills you. 

"They were really good and have really interesting young players, but in the end, you have to deal with it in these different situations.

"There's a lot of space for improvement but a lot of things were there today as well. 

The main blow on the evening was the injury to goalkeeper Alisson who was helped off the ground after suffering a calf injury giving former West Ham keeper Adrian a competitive debut for the club in the same week he signed on as a free agent.

" The Alisson situation is a shadow on that game. 

"He has injured his calf, and we have to see how much time he is on the sidelines."

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