Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder praises Liverpool following their UEFA Champions League clash
Liverpool needed a point to go through to the knock-out stage of the UEFA Champions League While Ajax Amsterdam needed a win to stay in contention. The Reds’ performance in the first 40 minutes of the game was worrying and the Dutch champions held the upper hand in the tie.
However, Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute for Liverpool scoring a beautiful goal after a wonderful assist from skipper Jordan Henderson. Two quick goals early in the second half swung the tie and the Reds eventually emerged victorious.
Darwin Nunez headed in a beautifully delivered cross from Andy Robertson and Harvey Elliott scored the last goal for the Reds from a Salah assist. It was a good display from the Reds overall following their shock loss to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Reds’ gaffer Jurgen Klopp would have been happy with his side’s result after the sluggish start to the game. His Ajax counterpart Alfred Schreuder though was full of praise for Liverpool and had this to say as per Liverpool Echo:
“Then after half-time the corner goal (from Nunez) was too quick and then you immediately see it will be a very, very hard game against an experienced team who showed how good they are. The positive thing is the squad stayed together but the difference in level was simply too big in the second half.”
“If you look at the second half and how professionally they played it out, that’s what I mean Liverpool played it really well. It was a very hard game against a very hard opponent.”
Resurgence for the Reds?
It was extremely important for the Reds to get a lead as Liverpool have not played well whenever they have conceded first. Salah’s goal totally against the run of play meant that the Reds had something to bank upon going into the second half.
The gaffer would have given an earful to the players during the halftime break citing their poor performance in the first 40 minutes of the game. It worked wonders as the Reds came out guns blazing and made the score 3-0 in no time.
This proves the quality that Liverpool possesses and it was refreshing to see them play with intent and put the tie to bed. While there still is much work to do, Liverpool can rest easy knowing that qualification for the last 16 is already in the beg.
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The Reds face a much sterner test on matchday six against Napoli. They will need to trump the 4-1 loss they suffered on opening day to ensure they end the night as group winners. Every little advantage will matter once it comes to the draw for the knockouts.
