Jurgen Klopp has stated that Michail Antonio used his body in a ‘pretty smart’ way during West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday at Anfield, as he told Sky Sports.
The Liverpool boss touched upon how West Ham were ‘pretty direct’ yesterday during their narrow defeat.
Sadio Mane scored the only goal of the game in a nervy and perhaps unfortunate defeat for the away side.
David Moyes would have left Merseyside thinking just how his team didn’t manage to find the back of the net.
Klopp spoke about West Ham’s attacking play and the threat of Antonio who was a problem on the break on a number of occasions.
“I think the second half starts pretty quickly with a massive chance for Bowen and it was the first time we didn’t defend Antonio properly,” said Klopp.
“That was the kickstart for them a little bit. They knew the way to play, they didn’t have to defend differently, they just have to be pretty direct.
“Antonio used his body pretty smart. The second balls, we weren’t as good as in the first half. That’s why they had their moments.
“But that’s what you have to bring over the line and I am really pleased with that.”
West Ham can’t dwell on this defeat too much because they have a small matter of travelling to Seville next week.
The first leg of their Europa League knockout tie kicks off and Moyes will be hoping his players will have their shooting boots on in Spain.
Declan Rice was missing for the Anfield trip, but the Hammers faithful will be hoping their hard-hitting midfielder does return.
It’s going to be a pretty tough task for the club to secure Champions League football via the Premier League, but they can also do it by winning the Europa League outright.
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