Jurgen Klopp was so impressed with his Liverpool side's performance against Newcastle United that he says it should be studied in schools for years to come.
Liverpool beat Newcastle 4-2 at Anfield, producing 34 shots and registering the highest Expected Goals (xG) total, 7.27, of any team in a Premier League match since such data became available in 2010/11.
Klopp says the basis of Liverpool's win was their counter-pressing, working hard as a team to win the ball back high up the pitch as soon as possible after losing possession, helping to sustain attack after attack in the opposition's half.
"It was a sensational game from my team," Klopp said. "[Martin] Dubravka, or we ourselves, made sure the scoreline didn't get too clear.
"It was a super game. I loved so many aspects of it. An unbelievable game, an unbelievable atmosphere. Counter-pressing wise, it's for football schools. You have to watch that. It's unbelievable how we went for them."
'A nail-biting match'
Despite his team's display, Klopp said it was a "nail-biting match", shown by the Liverpool manager refusing to watch the penalty that Mohamed Salah scored to seal the win.
"My job is to help!" Klopp told beIN Sports. "The first one I saw and I thought maybe that's the reason [Salah missed]. I turned around and wanted to see the face of the people."
Klopp also had a scare during his post-match celebrations, when his wedding ring fell off.
"I'm not in jewellery but this is the one ring I cannot live without," he added. "The cameraman that found it, you are my hero. You are my new hero for 2024."
From penalty drama, to a lost ring 😬
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 1, 2024
Jurgen Klopp went through it all! pic.twitter.com/m1OuNfqKNs
