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Klopp praises coach for Mignolet save
Jurgen Klopp has praised his goalkeeping coach after a Simon Mignolet save from a spot-kick helped earn Liverpool a priceless 2-1 win at Hoffenheim.
Needing to beat the Bundesliga side over two legs to qualify for the Champions League proper, the Merseysiders almost got off to a dreadful start when Dejan Lovren was punished for a trip in the box but Mignolet did well to not commit himself and so he easily palmed away Andrej Kramaric's weak effort.
18-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold's superb free-kick gave the English side the lead on 35 minutes, which was doubled 16 minutes from time after James Milner's cross was deflected into the Hoffenheim net.
Mark Uth exposed Liverpool's defensive frailties late on to give the Germans something to take to Anfield but Klopp was instead quick to focus on Mignolet's save.
"It was the perfect job of my goalkeeper coach John [Achterberg]," he told BT Sport. "He told him to stay central.
"We had more chances to close the game earlier, but the opponent had chances too."
Klopp was disappointed with the goal conceded although he admitted his tactics left his defence exposed at times.
"Our little hero [Alexander-Arnold] had his arm up!" he said. "We gambled a little bit too much on the wing with Salah and Mané. We left Trent and Alberto a bit open at times.
"The first half is done. If you told me before the game we’d win, I’d have taken any result.
"He [Alexander-Arnold] only plays because he's good! He has to improve in all parts of the game. Offensively he is nice to watch.
"Defensively he was good today. He needs a long ice bath, a warm bed and some recovery!"
Liverpool's Champions League play-off matches against Hoffenheim are live on BT Sport on the eir Sport package.
The return leg at Anfield on Wednesday, 23 August will be shown live on BT Sport 2.
Image: Getty Images/Alex Grimm
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