‘Liverpool through and that’s all that matters’ – Klopp delighted as Reds reach Champions League semis

Jurgen Klopp expressed his delight at Liverpool progressing to the Champions League semi-finals, despite the Reds enduring a nervy finish against Benfica at Anfield.

The six-time European champions advanced to the last four of the competition for the 12th time in their history after a 3-3 draw sealed a 6-4 aggregate victory over the Primeira Liga side.

The German coach made seven changes to the side that started the entertaining 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.

Nevertheless, the hosts established a 3-1 lead on the day thanks to Roberto Firmino’s brace, after Goncalo Ramos cancelled out Ibrahima Konate’s first-half header.

Late goals from Roman Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez set up a nervy climax at Anfield, but it was not enough to deny the Reds a third Champions League semi-final appearance under Klopp.

He told BT Sport: “The day we qualify for the Champions League semi-final, and I’m not happy, please come and knock me out!

“We made seven changes. The situation was the last line had never played together, and it was about details, staying 100 per cent concentrated.

“It was not exactly what we wanted, but it is absolutely not important because if we played the best game of the season tonight, it wouldn’t have made it more likely to get to the final. 

“We are through and that’s all that matters, and I’m really happy.”

Liverpool, who won the EFL Cup earlier this season, set up a semi-final showdown with Villarreal as they remained on course to complete a quadruple.

Still a point behind Premier League leaders Man City with seven games remaining, the Reds also face Pep Guardiola’s side in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend.

Skipper Jordan Henderson added: “We did well, but we’re disappointed with the goals we conceded.

“[Villarreal have] knocked out good sides [Juventus and Bayern Munich]. They’re a very good team, and it will be a difficult tie. 

“We need to be ready to give it everything and hopefully, we can progress to the final.

“We want to do our best in every competition. We want to give a big push to compete in all of them.”