Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool aren’t done yet with the work they need to complete in the second phase of their Champions League tie with Internazionale despite having taken a significant leap towards the quarterfinals with the win on the pitch at San Siro.
The Reds are now waiting with trepidation to determine the extent of the ankle injury that was sustained from Diogo Jota.
The forward was removed at half-time but was substituted with Roberto Firmino.
He scored the opening goal during the game in Milan before Mohamed Salah added a second goal just seven minutes after the break for Liverpool, some breathing room ahead of the return game in Anfield in the coming month.
However, Klopp has said that any notion of Liverpool being given a simple job to complete the task with Inter during the second game is premature. “It’s still a risk,” he said.
“It’s half-time only, nothing more. This is how it goes in the knockout stage. It’s not that we’re in the middle, but it will be a challenge, and we need to be prepared. It’s 2-0 at the half-time mark. I wouldn’t say to the players that it was a job well completed when it was two-to-one at any other time in this league, and I’m not going to think differently this time.”
Salah’s and Firmino’s second-half goals provided Klopp’s team with an advantage following a solid defensive display that prevented Simone Inzaghi’s side from being held at the back.
The only downside to the game was Jota’s injury. Klopp confirms Jota’s injury.
The Portuguese forward will undergo a medical examination shortly after being pulled off before the break because of an ankle injury.
“I have no idea,” Klopp said when asking about the extent and severity of his injury.
“It was swelling, which is not a good sign; however, we must determine. We’ll test it as soon as we can tomorrow, but we’ll have to do a more thorough assessment.”
Klopp has also praised the contribution of his substitutes such as Firmino and Jordan Henderson, as Liverpool was able to control the tie amid a noisy San Siro.
“The players who joined us were able to make an impact. Bobby scored, and then we were in control and scored an excellent second goal. It was amazing how the boys responded. This was another show I’m satisfied with.”
