Klopp reflects on Chelsea draw: ‘I'm OK with a point but we have a lot of things to improve’
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp Credit: Alexander Hassenstein - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Jürgen Klopp shared his insights after Liverpool's 1-1 stalemate with Chelsea in their opening game of the 2023-24 Premier League season at Stamford Bridge.
Luis Diaz's early strike was matched by Axel Disasi's equaliser, with both Mohamed Salah and Chelsea's Ben Chilwell seeing goals ruled out by VAR.
Commenting on the result, Klopp said, "I'm OK with a point. I saw the game, so I know who could've won... we could've lost as well, that's how it is."
He appreciated Liverpool's vibrant start, adding, "[We] scored two wonderful goals, one disallowed for offside... The build-up to that goal anyway was absolutely top-class."
However, he was quick to point out, "But then we opened the door for Chelsea."
Discussing the strategic aspect of the game, he mentioned, "We tried to close the gaps by dropping instead of stepping in... We should've solved it better. The best way to avoid these kind of things [is] obviously controlling the game [which] we could've done."
When speaking of Cody Gakpo's midfield role, Klopp stressed the importance of versatility.
"He was an eight. He can play different positions. For players that's very important in modern football."
Drawing a parallel to the fluidity of roles, he stated, "I think modern football is like that. Players can play different positions."
Regarding the substitution of Mohamed Salah, Klopp said, "I didn't think in that moment about it, that if he scored in the game it would've been an all-time record [on the opening day], so I understand his disappointment."
However, he reiterated, "I am the manager of the whole team and in that moment we needed fresh legs."
On the new regulations about coaching staff in the technical area, he shared a light-hearted interaction: "Pete Krawietz got up and then the fourth official told me, 'He cannot stay [there]' so I said what happens if I sit down. 'Yeah, then he can...' so I sat down."
In wrapping up, Klopp's overall sentiment about the match was evident: "I tend to see it rather positive, to be honest... So we have a point and we keep working."
