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Jurgen Klopp hugs Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho after the final whistle. Photo: AFP

Jurgen Klopp says he doesn’t care how many goals his Liverpool stars score

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino find the net in 5-0 rout of Swansea but their manager is ‘not interested’ in individual goal tallies

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he is not interested in the individual goal tallies of his attacking players because they will all get opportunities to find the net.

Two goals from Roberto Firmino and one each from Philippe Coutinho, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain helped Liverpool to an emphatic 5-0 win over Swansea City at Anfield.

The victory ensured Liverpool remain in the thick of the battle for the Champions League places in fourth spot – five points behind second-placed Manchester United.

Brazilian duo Coutinho and Firmino were both particularly influential in the Boxing Day win at Anfield.

“I am happy for all the boys when they score but I couldn’t say how many he has, or how many he has, I don’t care,” said Klopp.

“That is not in my interest. If we play like we play in our good moments then the boys will be in good situations. They will all score.

Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring Liverpool’s fourth goal with Mohamed Salah. Photo: Reuters

“Sadio Mane didn’t play here but he will score if we play like this, if we bring the different players in the different moments in the different situations.

“When you see the result is 5-0 that it was an easy game but it wasn’t an easy game. It was really hard work, I’ve no problem with that.

“I’m really happy with what we learned from the game. It is a perfect result for us, nobody injured I don’t think. Important three points, five goals, clean sheet so it’s all good.”

Klopp withdrew Firmino in the 68th minute and the German explained he did so with one eye on a hectic period of games over the festive period even though Firmino, who has scored six in his last seven games, wanted to remain on the pitch.

“You could see he wasn’t the happiest in the stadium when I took him off but at least I have to stay reasonable or serious because there are a lot of games to come,” Klopp said.

Roberto Firmino was denied the chance to complete a hat-trick. Photo: Reuters

“I appreciate Roberto’s effort and performance always and I am happy that he scored twice but I could not say how many he has scored so far in the season.

“I feel he is always involved and always in and around the dangerous situations for the opponents. In the first half he was right full back, he was left full back, he was everywhere. At the end he scored two goals so that’s nice, very nice.”

Klopp also revealed captain Jordan Henderson and left-back Alberto Moreno, both absent from the win over Swansea through injury, will miss forthcoming fixtures against Leicester City and Burnley.

“Length of time [on their returns], actually I have no idea to be honest … Both are out for the next two games for sure,” Klopp said.

“On December 30 and January 1, they have no chance, then we have to see again.”

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Klopp prefers to dwell on collective efforts
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