The damage was done back at Anfield, when Atalanta ran out shock 3-0 winners and left Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the return fixture. The result means Liverpool are now fighting on just one front. Despite being eliminated from Europe, Klopp was impressed with the way his players contested the second-leg. He said as much during his post-match media duties, as well as address Alexander-Arnold’s 72nd minute withdrawal on what was his first start since early February.

“It was clear we gave ourselves a massive hurdle,” the Liverpool boss conceded. “I liked the game a lot tonight with the desire and power the boys show. It was incredible from them. It was really tricky and we were too hasty in moments.

If Trent Alexander-Arnold had been a bit fitter we could have gone a bit longer, but it is insane that he has even played! In the end he was running out of gas. We won the game and that was the reaction we wanted to show.” Klopp continued, by adding that his side’s focus will now shift to their domestic duties.

“We have to focus on the league and that is exactly what we will do from now. Tonight we won the game so we are back to winning ways.” Addressing the fact that the trip to Atalanta was his final European game as Reds boss, Klopp claimed: “It is mixed emotions. We are out but I am happy with the game.

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