And speaking on Sakho after the EFL Cup win at Burton Albion, Klopp said: “I’m happy that I don’t talk in situations like this”.
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Sturridge, on as a 64th-minute substitute for Firmino, compounded the hosts’ misery with two goals in the space of five minutes in the closing stages – his first strikes of the season – with injuries to Emre Can and Origi the only sour notes for the visitors.
Jurgen Klopp is hopeful the injury picked up by Emre Can in Liverpool’s 5-0 League Cup win at Burton Albion on Tuesday will not sideline the Germany global for too long.
Chelsea’s decision to field a team largely made up of reserve players almost backfired, but Michy Batshuayi scored twice as they survived a scare against Bristol Rovers with a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge.
“This was a very serious, professional display from our side”, Klopp told Sky Sports.
“Football could always be better but it was wonderful, nice goals and nothing to criticise. It was humid today – not easy for either team”, explained the German manager, obviously pleased with this performance. “Some only got minutes in pre-season”, the Liverpool boss added.
Liverpool went on to win 4-3 at The Emirates thanks to goals from Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane.
After their 2-0 defeat to Burnley at the weekend, Klopp will have expected a response from his players, and they started the game brightly.
In the second half, Tom Naylor had the misfortune of scoring an own goal against the club he supported as a boy before substitute Daniel Sturridge netted a late double.
Batshuayi claimed a second from Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s cross, but Bristol Rovers scored either side through Peter Hartley and Ellis Harrison to keep Conte’s men on their toes until the final whistle.
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Manchester United, holders Manchester City, Arsenal, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and West Ham United will all enter the competition in round three.
