Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Brighton was a fair result, describing it as an intense match for both teams.
Mo Salah netted first for Liverpool, but the Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk scored from a Solly March free-kick with 12 minutes remaining to ensure the points were shared.
While speaking to the press after the match, Klopp said that his side’s inability to convert two good chances [for Ryan Gravenberch and Luis Diaz] in the second half kept the game open and Brighton took advantage of that.
“I think it is clear in the second half we should have scored for 3-1, there were one or two really good opportunities but because we don’t score there, we keep the game open,” Klopp said.
He continued: “[..] In this area where the free-kick happened, we produced too many set-pieces, corners, and especially free-kicks. I saw it back and if one of our boys touched the ball I think it was an own goal. That’s what a set-piece it was. Then Dunk was there and could score from there. It was intense for both teams, so I think it’s the right result in the end.”
After the match, Klopp exchanged pleasantries and had a brief chat with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
When asked what that was all about, the German tactician replied that he had respect for what the Italian was doing at Brighton.
“[It was] a mix of everything. I have to say, I cannot respect more, could not respect more, what he (De Zerbi) is doing. Honestly, I am a real supporter of it. I am a football lover and if somebody comes in and has the impact he has on football it should not be underestimated.”
It should be remembered that De Zerbie’s Brighton condemned Klopp’s Liverpool to two defeats and a draw last season.
