Jurgen Klopp had praise for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain—but wants more from the team’s overall performance level after Liverpool beat Genk 4-1.
The Reds saw off their Belgian rivals for a first Champions League group stage away win in two years, to sit second in the group at the halfway point.
In addition to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s brace, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah both netted, before a late consolation for the home team. Liverpool were dominant for the most part, but gifted counter-attacking chances after losing possession easily at times.
The boss was glad to have “job done,” but was keen to note that improvements can still be found.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Klopp allowed that there were parts of the game where the Reds impressed, but that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goals were key.
“We started well. [At half-time] we could show the boys a couple of spaces they could use in the second half and then it was like a proper knock for Genk [after the second goal]. We won the game, job done, that’s it.
“Great moment for him but Ox’s performance was exactly like the team: the goals were great but the rest could be better.
“The goals were sensational and very important for us; Adam scored the goal Sunday and now Ox scored two, really nice, great story.”
Klopp also elaborated on his pre-game choices to field James Milner over Joe Gomez, and clarified that Andy Robertson‘s substitution in the second half was not due to injury.
“Andy’s OK. I didn’t see it like that [choosing Milner over Gomez], I only saw it as picking Millie!
“In the way we wanted to play, Millie was the clear solution for that moment.
“But Joe did really well, looked confident, clear, it was good. It was nothing against Joe.”
Klopp will now lead his team back to Merseyside, ahead of a big weekend Premier League clash with Tottenham at Anfield.
