Julian Nagelsmann paid tribute to Sadio Mane and Mo Salah after the Liverpool duo knocked his RB Leipzig side out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, while speaking to the Bundesliga giants’ official website.
On a night in which Leipzig squandered any opportunities they had ato overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit, two of Europe’s most gifted forwards provided a timely reminder of their talents as Liverpool put a nightmare domestic campaign behind them at Anfield.
Salah broke the 25-goal barrier to open the scoring with 70 minutes on the clock, cutting inside and firing home after a classic Jurgen Klopp counter-attack.
In the blink of an eye, Mane put the tie to bed, tapping home after fine approach work from substitutes Naby Keita and Divock Origi.
“Liverpool were the better team today and deservedly made progress,” admitted Nagelsmann after a 4-0 aggregate defeat brought Leipzig’s Champions League challenge to a disappointing end.
“We were a bit too cerebral and made mistakes that were too easy. We were a bit too sluggish to build up the game and didn’t get the emotionality we needed. In moments like this you especially notice the lack of fans who would push the team forward.
“After the 0-2, the game was over. The two goals conceded also showed the great individual quality on the part of Liverpool. What Salah and Mane are doing up there is really unique.
“But my boys are people – we couldn’t achieve the maximum today and that is why Liverpool deservedly made it through. We have to accept that, we will let it sink in and we can be sad for a few hours.”
On a night full of positives for Jurgen Klopp’s beleaguered side, Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak formed a fine understanding at the heart of Liverpool’s backline – the 21st difference centre-half partnership the Merseyside giants have used during an injury-hit campaign.
Fabinho and Diogo Jota, meanwhile, looked sharp and full of endeavour after spells on the sidelines.
It may be a stretch to suggest that everything is looking rosy again but, after Sunday’s dismal defeat to Fulham, this was exactly the sort of response Liverpool needed.
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