“Our dreams were fulfilled” - Jurgen Klopp hails fans’ return after Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat of Burnley

Jurgen Klopp lauded the “really special” atmosphere as Liverpool eased to a 2-0 victory over Burnley in front of a returning Anfield crowd.

The famous stadium was at full capacity for the first time since March 2020 and the Reds gave Kopites the perfect afternoon.

An 18th-minute header from Diogo Jota, his second goal of the season, and a composed finish from Sadio Mane in the 68th minute ensured Liverpool continued their 100% start to the 2021-22 Premier League campaign.

Reds boss Klopp said: “Everybody was really looking forward to this football festival, to this game and I think nobody leaves this place today with any kind of disappointment because I think all of our dreams were fulfilled today, atmosphere-wise.

“That was, for sure, the best 12.30 atmosphere we had. It was pretty special, really special. How the game was as well, pretty special because Burnley are Burnley – and Burnley cause you problems.

“And Burnley caused us problems. Obviously, the new idea about football, let the game flow more or whatever, I think we will talk about that quite frequently over the year, but we won the game.

“We played a good game, we scored two, could have scored more. Yes, needed Alisson in moments as well, even when the best save he had was offside before, but it was anyway a sensational save.”

Excellent Elliott

With Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both missing for personal reasons, Klopp handed a full Premier League debut to Harvey Elliott.

The 18-year-old grew into the game impressively and played a key role in Liverpool’s second goal.

Klopp wasn’t surprised by how easily Elliott slotted into the Reds’ midfield.

“Harvey was part of this performance,” added the Anfield boss.

“Everybody wants to talk to me about Harvey and I understand absolutely.

“When an 18-year-old boy plays such a mature game I can understand why everyone was asking, but I was not surprised he played like this.

“That is exactly how he has trained now for six or seven weeks since we are back, since he is back from loan. Yes, it was good.”

More to come

Jordan Henderson returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up, having reported back to duty later than his team-mates this summer.

He helped England reach the Euro 2020 final that ended in penalty shootout heartbreak against Italy.

The Reds captain was happy with his side’s display but insists there is plenty of room for improvement.

Henderson said: “I think the performance was good at times. There are still places where we can improve of course, but overall we’re delighted – the fans are back, it was great to have them back, they gave us a lift.

“And we got the result in the end, so that’s the most important thing.

“Burnley are a good side, they make it difficult – we knew that before the game and they certainly did that with the set-pieces and long balls in behind.

“But I thought overall we dealt with it quite well and we could have scored more goals, if we’re being honest.”

What’s next

Liverpool’s Premier League title credentials will be giving a stern examination when the welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Saturday (17.30).

The Blues have been tipped by plenty of people to claim the championship trophy and made an excellent start to the season.

They’ve won their opening two games, with £97.5 million signing Romelu Lukaku scoring on his debut in a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Sunday.

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