Klopp: It Was Our Best Champions League Performance

By Joshua Walters

Jurgen Klopp has expressed his satisfaction on Liverpool's performance against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg despite his side losing 3-0 on the night.

The Reds produced an impressive display, keeping Barcelona under control for much of the game but fell victim to a late Lionel Messi masterclass after missing numerous good chances of their own.

Former Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez, broke the deadlock after 26 minutes against the run of play before Messi took the game by the scruff of the neck after the break with a brace.

The German trainer admitted afterwards that despite the nature of the scoreline, Liverpool produced their best performance in the Champions League this season.

“They scored three, we didn't and you have to accept it. As a manager, it is always very important how we played. It is the best we have played in the Champions League," Klopp told the media after the game.

“I'm not sure that we deserved a lot.

“It is football, yes. But before this game we had a bigger chance, let me say it like this. It is difficult it is Barcelona and they can play for counter attacks which doesn't help us a lot. It is football and we should still try but it didn't make our life easier.

“It is not the night to be mouthy and saying it was exactly what we wanted, if we score an early goal and all that s***… it will be another really difficult game. 

“Whatever happens, I could not be more proud of them. It is just how they always strike back. It is still 3-0 and that will not change.”

Liverpool, though, are in contention for their first Premeir League title in 29 years, but with just two games to end the season, The 2005 Champions League winners could go trophyless with their second position on the league log.