Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s fist pumps are back, and he paid tribute to the Anfield crowd for spurring his team on to victory against Everton. Goals from Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo saw the Reds emerge from their slump as they turned in an energetic display. Klopp praised Stefan Bajcetic and “one-man pressing machine” Jordan Henderson.
Jurgen Klopp says he would have done anything for a “special” Anfield crowd after his team’s vital 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton – except take off his clothes.
Klopp walked over to the Kop after the victory and gave his trademark fist pumps that have been lacking of late due to the Reds’ poor form.
But after goals from Mo Salah and a first from Cody Gakpo, it felt like normal service had almost been resumed for Liverpool.
Klopp told Sky Sports: “The atmosphere was outstanding, I am in love with my crowd and what they did tonight, it was special and was extremely helpful – the boys paid it back.
“It was a real derby and we played a game we wanted to play, not a game Everton wanted to.
“A massive relief. You never know when you are going to do it next [the fist pumps].
“Whatever the crowd asked me I would have done except for getting rid of my clothes.
“I really think – and you don’t want to be in difficult situations – the way you behave defines the future.
“This club has been through worse things but we are the club who can show who can deal with difficult moments.”
Klopp paid particular tribute to 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, who featured in an advanced midfield position he had never played before, and Jordan Henderson.
“I saw a lot of good performances tonight but Stefan showed up. We are really happy with him, a top boy, really smart and calm.
“He played in a new position, at eight, and I asked him afterwards if he liked it and he said yes. It is a nice story.
“Hendo was a one-man pressing machine, and football-wise right-side [we were] really good together.”
Bajcetic himself added of his composed display: “I played in a different position, I thought it would be less comfortable but it was good and I enjoyed it a lot.
“Mo Salah is probably one of the best players ever in Liverpool history so it is nice to hear a legend say that to me [the Egyptian, alongside Bajcetic afterwards, said the youngster has been
Liverpool’s best player since coming into the team].
“I won more confidence playing at Anfield for a couple of games.
“It was a great game, with the crowd and the derby. Hopefully we keep playing well and win more games.”
