Liverpool coach Klopp confident of reaching Europa League final

Liverpool coach Jurguen Klopp has said their 0-1 defeat against Villarreal in the first leg of the Europa League football semi-final is not a definitive result and he remains confident of reaching the final.

But in order to reach the title round his team would need a little "help of Anfield" in the return leg, to be played at their home ground, the Anfield stadium, reports Efe.

Klopp said his team has played a good game against a good team and he was satisfied with the performance of his players because although some did not know Villarreal, they were able to show potential.

Klopp stressed that his team did not deserve to lose, but it happened in a counter-strike after two missed opportunities for forwards Firmino and Alberto Moreno.

Although Liverpool competed well, it is true that the goal complicates things, the coach said.

"Please don't compare everything with (Borussia) Dortmund, but things are possible and 1-0 is not the biggest result in the world. I think now Villarreal knows more about us and now we have more respect," Klopp said after the match on Wednesday.

He stressed that he expects a different game at Anfield and is already looking forward to it, while recalling that Villarreal's goal came from a mistake his team accepts.

"If the players want to be angry for 10 minutes, do it, but then look forward to the rematch at Anfield, that's all," he said.

--IANS

sam/bg