Jurgen Klopp: We never controlled games in the way we do now

Liverpool recorded a 3-0 win against Watford on Saturday, putting in a strong second-half performance to ensure the continued their present momentum within the Premier League.

Goals from Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino were enough to separate the two teams despite a strong performance from the home side inside the first 45 minutes.

Albeit far from the free-flowing displays we’ve come to see from Liverpool, the result extends their points tally to 33 for the season, representing their best total at this stage in any Premier League campaign ever.

Speaking after the game, Klopp reflected the perception that, despite results, his side are far from perfection:

“I know you always expect perfection, but we had exactly one session to prepare. We need to focus on the specific quality of the opponent. We had to stay stubborn.

It wasn’t a brilliant first-half but it was still good. The first goal was brilliant, the second a world-class free-kick.

I know a few people miss one or two situations from last season, but in similar games we were not that convincing – it wasn’t clear that we controlled the game.”

“It was a really mature performance. We never controlled games in the manner we do now.”

Identifying that Liverpool might not be as exciting to watch this season, Klopp clearly believes the pragmatic approach adopted by his team thus far has far more benefits in terms of fighting for the Premier League title.

Few could argue with him given the start made and with just two points separating Liverpool and Manchester City, they’re very much in the mix at present.

Indeed, this is the club’s best tally at this stage of a Premier League campaign.

“It’s nice, the 33 points are brilliant and the goal difference is really good, I like all that,” said the Liverpool boss, “At this fantastic big club with outstanding teams in the past, that this group of players can get this record is nice.”

“The season is not finished and it doesn’t bring anything but if someone wants this record in the future they must beat this team.”

Liverpool face a make or break week, with a trip to Paris Saint Germain potentially pivotal in their bid to remain in the Champions League for the knockout stages.

Any failures to gain a result will put all the pressure on their final clash with Napoli – a game they will need to win by two goals in order to avoid dropping to the Europa League.