Jurgen Klopp reacts to Liverpool beating Villarreal 2-0 at Anfield

Liverpool have won the first half of the Champions League semi-final against Villarreal and Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the performance.

Speaking after the game, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, the Liverpool manager said that it's only half-time and that his side will have to do it all again in Villarreal.

"It was a brilliant game - we kept them quiet and that was important because of their counter-attacking threat. We had a lot of good moments - the second half we finished the situations off. The goals were outstanding," said Klopp.

"In football it is always the same - you show respect to the opponent in the way you defend them. But it is HT, nothing else, but it is better than before the game.

"It is not over, there is another leg and Moreno will be back for them in the next round I think."

The German also spoke about next week's game that will take place in Spain, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account.

"We played a really good game. We didn’t go to Roma thinking we were through [in 2018]. They beat Barcelona. I haven’t thought for a second about that game, we’re a different team. Let’s keep going," said Klopp.

“I cannot respect Villarreal more but we should not forget we are really, really good too. It will be a different atmosphere in Spain. We have to just ignore it. I have no idea what we will do then.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Klopp will no doubt have a plan for next Tuesday's game. Villarreal will have to come out of their shell and attack Liverpool.

Unfortunately for Unai Emery's side, that plays into Liverpool's hands even more. The Reds are one of the best teams in the world at counter-attacking and if his side loses the ball high up the pitch then it's likely a goal will come from it.

Liverpool had 74% possession tonight and even if Villarreal do try and keep the ball more, Liverpool's press will be unbelievable.

It's hard to see how Emery's side overcome this two-goal deficit but anything can happen in Champions League football.