Sadio Mane headed in the opener after 41 seconds, the 100th goal of Ronald Koeman’s reign, but a Daniel Sturridge brace and an opportunistic strike from Origi had Liverpool firmly in control by half-time.
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Southampton had been bidding to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1986-87, but dreams of a first major final since 2003 will now be put on hold until the FA Cup comes around in January.
“I said to him after the game: ‘Now I know what everybody’s talking about, ‘” Klopp said.
Although his point was more to do with the performances, Redknapp has been left impressed with the lift that Klopp has given Liverpool as a whole.
Jurgen Klopp has admitted Liverpool’s home defeat to Crystal Palace last month is stopping him from getting carried away about his promising start to life at Anfield.
Liverpool striker Divock Origi believes his persistence and hard work is starting to pay off after finally scoring his first goals for the club.
The 26-year-old was the catalyst for a clinical masterclass from Liverpool, who cut Southampton up with precision and the kind of goalscoring power that has been foreign to the side for far too long. Not live in a stadium in an important tournament, but the rest I knew about.
Randall played for Pompey against the Hawks in pre-season, but Cook opted to land Ben Davies, who has since shone in the position.
Southampton switched to a back three at half-time, Victor Wanyama dropping back between the centre-backs, but although they initially succeeded in keeping Liverpool at arm’s length, it did not last. “We try to do what we can to keep him fit”, he said.
And, after making just his fourth appearance of the season in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Swansea, Klopp said he and the striker must “trust each other“. “They have been absolutely brilliant to watch”, Redknapp said, as reported by Sky Sports. Maybe we have to play more defensively, more (sitting) back, waiting.
“I have to recognise it was a great Liverpool performance”, said Koeman. His attitude is, when we get the ball everyone is going to look for it, if you make a mistake don’t worry about it, I’ll take responsibility for that.
Klopp promised “full throttle” football and he has been true to his word, with Liverpool’s aggressive high press central to their recent transformation.
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Much to the surprise of Liverpool and Southampton fans alike, minutes before the final whistle Liverpool would get yet another goal.
