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Jurgen Klopp pleased with Liverpool's reaction to their Cup final defeat

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says his side showed a reaction to their cup final defeat with a 'really good' performance and win over Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp spoke of his delight with the way Liverpool reacted to their Capital One Cup final defeat to Manchester City after they beat the same opponents 3-0 at Anfield on Wednesday.

The Reds were beaten on penalties at Wembley on Sunday but responded by putting in a strong performance to record a comprehensive win over Manuel Pellegrini's side - putting a dent in the visitors' title aspirations in the process.

Goals from Adam Lallana, James Milner and Roberto Firmino secured the three points for Liverpool and Klopp was thrilled by the mental strength his side showed.

Adam Lallana puts Liverpool 1-0 up against Manchester City
Image: Adam Lallana put Liverpool 1-0 up against Manchester City

"Tonight was more about the mental side," Klopp said. "We lost on Sunday. We had to show a reaction so we started extremely lively. It was clear from the first second that it would not be easy for Man City tonight.

"Of course, with their quality they can always win, they can always score decisive goals in the right moment but tonight you could see it would be really difficult for them. So they saw it too and then in the game it was like this."

"We could go and go and go because we are in a good moment."

James Milner celebrates scoring Liverpool's second goal against Manchester City
Image: James Milner celebrates scoring Liverpool's second goal

The former Borussia Dortmund boss believes the victory could be crucial going forward as it showed his team what they are capable of.

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"We were completely concentrated tonight," Klopp added. "People say we cannot always play like this. That is not interesting.

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Manuel Pellegrini says his Manchester City side had not recovered from the past week as they lost at Liverpool.

"The only possibility to save energy in football is when you have the ball. So if you then play quick and safe and really simple, that's what we did in the second half really good. Then you have the energy to press and for counter-pressing.

"I am too old to think that from now on we will play like this all the time but for us it was a really good sign.

"It was good for the boys because they saw that it was possible and it was possible at Anfield too. I think everybody who watched the game tonight who loves Liverpool had a really good night."