Klopp reacts to Liverpool's first victory of pre-season

The Reds narrowly edged out their German opponents at the Untersberg-Arena in Austria.

Though pointing out some flaws, Jurgen Klopp says he’s overall “happy” with Liverpool’s performance in their 1-0 victory over Mainz on Friday evening.

Klopp fielded a strong starting XI, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Milner, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah featuring in the first half of the match. A much more inexperienced Liverpool side was seen in the second period, with the manager making 11 changes at the break.

The sole goal, however, was scored by the opposition, with Luca Kilian putting the ball into his own net in the final minutes.

It was the Reds’ first win in pre-season, though not a very convincing one, as they were held to a draw in both their previous friendly games.

The best of the action from Austria, as the Reds secured their first victory of pre-season 👊🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2021

“I saw in the first half some really good football where we came through, we passed, we passed the ball quite quickly, quick enough against a good, organised side, a deep-defending side and this kind of stuff,” Klopp told post-match.

“It was far away from being perfect, but it is absolutely OK.

“Second half I saw the boys, the kids, fought for a result and they got it. They forced it and I am happy about that.

“We had to defend, of course, because they are good – and organisation-wise, it is not even close to where we have to be, but as I said, when you are tired you try to bring the best organisation possible on the pitch.

“It is never about 100 per cent, it is about the available per cent – and I think the boys did that today, so I am happy.”