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Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool for avoiding 'proper banana skin' at Cardiff

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Jurgen Klopp was delighted his side avoided a ‘proper banana skin’ at Cardiff
Jurgen Klopp was delighted his side avoided a ‘proper banana skin’ at Cardiff

Jurgen Klopp was thrilled Liverpool avoided a ‘proper banana skin’ at Cardiff.

Two second half goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner fired Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League, putting the pressure back on Manchester City.

Cardiff worked hard and made life difficult for the Reds, especially in the opening 20 minutes, and Klopp was clearly delighted with their display.

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“It was prepared to be a proper banana skin and we knew that, the boys were unbelievable. It was clear, difficult for all of us,” Klopp said.

“The weather changed and made it much more intense. We knew we had to stay patient and do the right things. It was very dry on the pitch so passing was not very easy.

“The boys didn’t get frustrated, we had wonderful chances in the first half but we knew if we continued we would have chances.

James Milner’s penalty made it 2-0 at Cardiff
James Milner’s penalty made it 2-0 at Cardiff

“It was brilliant how we scored the goals. No doubt a penalty, he grabs him five or six times.

“I only know about me and I didn’t feel it (the pressure) we have to do it like we do it. We cannot change it. The boys try really with all they have, we only speak about the things we have to do.

“Their attitude is outstanding and it’s a tough season but a very positive one as well.”

Wijnaldum’s opener came from a well-worked low corner, which he rifled into the back of the net, and Klopp revealed it was a plan they came up with at half-time.

Gigi Wijnaldum’s goal came as the result of a half-time discussion between the players
Gigi Wijnaldum’s goal came as the result of a half-time discussion between the players

“We have our routines, at half-time the boys spoke about it,” he added. “It was all credit to the boys, we didn’t train it, they spoke about it and did it in the game.”

And Wijnaldum revealed he told Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold to try a low set-piece

He explained: “I was so free in the first half I told Henderson to tell Trent to put a low ball in, I got onto it and it was a good finish.”