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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reveals BIGGEST surprise from Wolves win
LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp said his side’s win against Wolves was made more difficult because of the rain.
The Reds head into Christmas top of the Premier League table after their win in the Black Country on Friday night.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for the visitors by intelligently flicking home Fabinho’s cross in the 18th minute.
Klopp’s men then asserted their control on the game by weathering Wolves’ threat from set-pieces and staying patient in possession.
Their prudence was rewarded halfway through the second half when Virgil van Dijk headed home Salah’s cross for his maiden top-flight Reds goal.
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The heavy rain was difficult for both teams tonight
Following the result, which gives Liverpool a four-point buffer on City for one night at least, Klopp explained that the heavy rain and wind in Wolverhampton exacerbated his side’s struggle to play fluently.
"It was clear that the whole game would be difficult. Everybody wants to press. We want to be compact but wide as well which makes it difficult,” the German tactician said after the match.
“We defended it pretty well. The heavy rain was difficult for both teams tonight. It was a big fight. We knew that we needed to be ready.”
Klopp has tried to mediate any title talk so far this season, with the halfway stage one game away.
But heading into Christmas unbeaten with 48 points on the table was too much to conceal his iconic grin.
“I am completely happy with the result and it is big for us,” he said.
“We wanted to surprise our opponent. It was brilliant - both goals.
“It was perfect football, especially on a night like tonight when it was difficult to play proper football.”
The next league fixture is on Boxing Day against Newcastle - a game for which Liverpool will prepare as usual.
"I saw some really good things tonight. We will be training on Christmas morning so it is like every other day,” Klopp added.
“It is an outstanding number [of points in the league] - it is absolutely cool.
"We have Manchester City waiting and that will be really tough for the boys. We need to have different game plans but the boys showed they are ready for that."