Eliaquim Mangala’s early own goal put Liverpool ahead after fine work from Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino down the left hand side, before Firmino crossed for Coutinho to sweep home a second. Hopefully we can keep learning from him and keep working hard on the training ground and like I said keep putting in performances like we did on Saturday night’.
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“We have to be very careful”.
The match was all but over just after the half hour mark as Liverpool had already struck three times to demoralize City.
City welcomed back Sergio Aguero from injury following the worldwide break, but Manuel Pellegrini’s side didn’t look ready for a return to Premier League action, and Liverpool took full advantage with a fantastic attacking display.
Without a stable defensive core, City were easily overwhelmed by Klopp’s attacking lineup, with the Chilean describing his evening “a complete disaster” when questioned by reporters after the final whistle. “We took our chances and made brilliant goals in the counterattack”, Klopp said.
“What is important is that we can see and feel that there’s a development in our game”.
“I had an awesome time at City, played with a lot of good players, won a few trophies and I think if I’d stayed I’d be enjoying it as well”.
The Liverpool midfielder, who is set to resume training this week after recovering from a broken foot, told Sky Sports: ‘Obviously I have been out for a pretty long time.
“He’s very good tactically and he gives players belief. With results like this the boys start to believe in themselves and that’s very important”.
The only concern for Liverpool was the sight of Coutinho leaving the fray in the 68th minute after clutching the back of his thigh, but Klopp expressed optimism that it was only “a little bit of cramp”.
“It’s normal in football that former players play against their old club and nothing special”, said Klopp.
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Milner walked out on City this summer to join the Reds, only to see Brendan Rodgers last 11 games of the season before being axed to make way for Klopp. On Saturday Coutinho – who was the star of the victory at Chelsea – played the role of the sidekick and was rewarded with their second highest average rating of 7.5.
