Video: Jurgen Klopp praises “outstanding” work ethic and “fantastic” goals at Porto

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could barely find enough superlatives to describe his side’s performance as Porto were put to the sword on Wednesday night.

* Video above from BT Sport; geographic restrictions may apply.

Speaking after the 5-0 win, the boss was clearly delighted from both a tactical and technical standpoint.

Several players received rave reviews, with the goalscoring front three unsurprisingly all mentioned—but Klopp made it clear it was a team-wide performance which lead to the Reds’ commanding first-leg lead.

“They were all fantastic to be honest. I think it was the first [goal], Dejan [Lovren] won the ball and Sadio [Mane] could shoot at the end.

“The second…nice finish! The third was fantastic, winning the ball, counter-attacking, all good.

“They were all fantastic and we need them all, so it’s good.”

Klopp was quizzed on the immense work rate of his side, with the central midfielders and wide forwards tracking back to great effect before the fourth and fifth goals wrapped up the win.

“In half time I said about the situation of the first half even when we were 2-0 up; Mo Salah won the ball back in the centre of the park and that’s what you need in a game and a competition like this.

“I saw a lot of fantastic performances tonight and it’s always only possible a result like this if they are all spot on.”

While the pace and clinical edge from the attack might have finished off moves, there was also acknowledgement for the delivery from wide areas from the manager as Andrew Robertson bounced back to form in style.

“Robbo played tonight an outstanding game—finally he found his crosses back, I thought they were in Scotland or somewhere!

“Sadio is man of the match, three fantastic goals, Roberto Firmino work rate again, outstanding.

“They all did well and that’s the only way to be successful.”

Klopp also confirmed that the Reds will now head off for a mini training camp, with no weekend fixture to play, before preparing for matches against West Ham and Newcastle before the second leg against Porto.