Klopp: “It was amazing – I think the first half was one of the best we’ve ever played”

Jurgen Klopp has praised his Liverpool side after beating Manchester City 3-2 in the FA Cup semi-finals, calling the first half “one of the best we’ve ever played”.

Liverpool have reached their first FA Cup final since 2012 and meet Chelsea or Crystal Palace, who will play tomorrow, at Wembley Stadium on May 14.

“I’m absolutely proud, it was incredible – I think the first half was one of the best we’ve ever played,” said the Liverpool manager.

“We did everything right, we scored at the right moments, we put on an incredible game in the first half, I really loved every second of it.”

Liverpool were 3-0 up at half-time thanks to an early header from Ibrahima Konate and two goals from Sadio Mane.

Jack Grealish pulled a goal back minutes after half-time but City didn’t add until Bernardo Silva scored in added time. It gave City fans a glimmer of hope in the closing stages but Pep Guardiola’s side failed to equalise.

“The second half started with Man City scoring and then it opened up – the quality from City is crazy and you could see it was a much more open game,” said Klopp.

“We respect City’s quality so much and it’s so difficult to win against them. But because we have these guys in our dressing room, we have a chance.

“That’s not a statement, we’re just in the final. I think City knew beforehand that it could be difficult against us – that’s how it was between us most of the time.”

Liverpool are struggling to quadruple this season after already beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup in February. Klopp’s side are second in the Premier League behind City and meet Villarreal in the Champions League semi-finals. City is in the other semi-final against Real Madrid.

(Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)