Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s professional effort after their Europa League victory over Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Reds won 2-0 to keep their perfect record in Group E and have a five-point lead in qualifying for the next stage of the campaign. Ryan Gravenberch scored his first goal for Liverpool since signing from Bayern Munich in the 42nd minute, and Diogo Jota sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Klopp agreed that Liverpool were not at their best despite making nine changes, but he focused on the positives, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return from a hamstring injury. “The start, the result, the goals, and the chances we created,” stated the Reds manager. What I didn’t like was that we lost rhythm after 25 minutes; I’m not sure what time it was because I wasn’t wearing a watch, but it’s impossible to maintain rhythm in a game like this.

“But it’s just as crucial, if not more so. We clearly should’ve scored earlier; we should’ve been 2-0 up when we scored. It’s okay that we scored late. Made it antique, mature professional performance, whatever you want to call it.

“[We] got the desired result and know we can do better.” But, on top of that, I witnessed a lot of wonderful individual stuff and performances. Trent has returned. [Jarell] Quansah’s first international game was outstanding. Kosti [Tsimikas] has really improved. Ibou [Konate] for a long, long time. So, we could discuss our scenario today because for Sunday, we only have three players left from our outstanding five for the frontline, so plenty of positives, but it could’ve been better as well.

“It’s obvious that we need to [be] better, play better, and take our chances more often if we want to be successful in the competition.” But I’m not furious or concerned; it was simply like that today, and we know we have to do better, that’s all.”