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Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool's Champions League nous after booking Barcelona tie

Jurgen Klopp  looks on ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match between Porto and Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp looks on ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match between Porto and Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp praised his side’s increased experience in Liverpool’s 4-1 second leg win over Porto at the Estádio do Dragão.

The win means the Premier League title chasers progress to the semi-finals after a 6-1 aggregate win.

The German manager admitted his team have more knowhow in Europe, compared to last season, even though they made it to the final of last year’s competition.

Klopp said: “We have more experience, that is clear, we are not too experienced but we have had difficult away games.

“If you prepare that game you don’t watch two or three Porto games. We knew that they are a different animal in their home games in the Champions League and we had to be ready for that.

“Defending wise we were ready for that. We couldn’t put pressure on them in their build-up but it’s all good. It was a difficult game, but going to the semi-finals, we are the only ones who were there last year and we are in the semi-final again. It’s very special.”

AS IT HAPPENED: Porto (1) 1-4 (6) Liverpool

READ MORE: Liverpool stroll past FC Porto to earn Barcelona tie

Klopp was pleased that his side stood up to the early pressure Porto asserted on the Liverpool defence, as well as their control on the game later in the match.

“We knew before it would be a proper whirl-wind here, and that is what they did. They played in only one direction, behind,” he added.

“Second half it was clear their energy levels would drop a little bit so we could control the match a lot more and score the goals.”

Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's third goal.
Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's third goal.

Liverpool take on Barcelona in the semi-finals of the competition, with the first leg taking place at the Camp Nou, and it is a challenge Klopp is relishing.

He added: “It’s the first time for me to play them, apart from a friendly, and of course we are looking forward to that.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was keen to emphasise Liverpool’s team spirit following the win.

He said: “It was tough. The lads dug in really well. It was difficult in the first half. We knew going forward we could score.

“We believe we can remain unbeaten, but we have to work hard. We give everything and we try to be horrible to play against.

“Tonight’s scoreline flattered us a bit, and Porto’s crowd was amazing , so you’ve got to give some credit to them as well.”

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