Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was not disappointed with the draw of the Premier League match against Aston Villa on Monday night.
Jarrell Kuansa’s goal at the very beginning of the second half of the match at Villa Park allowed Liverpool to lead by two goals. It seemed that the Reds would comfortably register a victory.
However, in the end, Liverpool relaxed, and John Duran’s double allowed Villa, rushing into the Champions League, to snatch a 3-3 draw.
Klopp understands the difference in motivation between the two teams, so he prefers not to be too strict with his players.
“I don’t feel disappointed. Maybe I should, but I just don’t feel it. I’m really happy. Listen to how many such matches we have seen, when one team plays for absolutely everything — getting into the Champions League probably means everything to Aston Villa — while the other team will not budge from its place.”
“Our challenge today was to show character and attitude — and the guys showed sensational character and sensational attitude. I liked it.”
“In my opinion, the guys have shown very, very good character and sensational attitude all season — that’s why we are where we are, with 79 points. I know no one wants to listen to this, but being the third best team in the league this season says something. It’s progress after so many changes, and I like it.”
“I can’t say that I am extremely happy about this, but for a week or two we have accepted that we will not become the best or second best team in the league, but we have a good foundation for the future, and that is all that can be asked,” Klopp is quoted as saying on the official websiteLiverpool.”