Jurgen Klopp finally had a reason to celebrate Christmas after Sadio Mane’s dramatic 94th-minute goal saw his side move second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory in the Merseyside derby at Everton on Monday.
The result hauled Klopp’s team to within six points of leaders Chelsea heading into the holiday period, the perfect way for the club to prepare for their festivities.
“I’m really happy,” said Klopp, who was experiencing his first trip to Goodison Park. “We now have 37 points and that’s good. It could have been 40-something but that’s okay (they dropped five points recently against Bournemouth and West Ham after leading in both).
The German trainer continued, “We won’t stop. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is our Christmas party and this is the first party we have had after a win! It’s unbelievably close and difficult each week but it is still like this. You need to be ready for each game, play your best and collect the points.”
Until Sadio Mane struck home a rebound from Daniel Sturridge’s 94th-minute shot, the game’s main talking point had been Ross Barkley escaping a red card after a high stamp, above the ankle of Liverpool and England midfielder Jordan Henderson.
“I thought it was a harsh challenge,” said Klopp. “You all saw it, I don’t have to say anything about it. I think Ross is lucky and Hendo is lucky too that nothing else happened.”
Klopp’s Everton counterpart Ronald Koeman agreed Barkley could have been dismissed by referee Mike Dean.
However, as Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren was involved in a shoving match that followed the incident, the Dutchman believed the opposition player might have been dismissed having already been booked.
“It was a tough tackle, maybe it’s a red,” he said. “But what happened after this is not a fair decision from the referee. Maybe it’s a red for Barkley but, there was a reaction from several players but it was started by Lovren.
At least Barkley’s England teammate Henderson suffered no ill-effects from the challenge and believes his friend was innocent of any ill intent.
“I think it was pretty late but I know Ross well and he’s a good lad. I’m good friends with him,” said Henderson. “He mistimed the tackle and after the game he apologised.”
