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Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he feared the worst when Philippe Coutinho left for Barcelona, while congratulating his team for his success in the absence of the Brazilian as he prepares for a half-time meeting. -final of the Champions League.
Barca signed Coutinho for a club record £142 million (251.8 million Singaporean dollars) in January 2018.
Yet, as the playmaker struggles to adapt to his new environment, Liverpool has gained momentum, winning the English Premier League title with Manchester City and struggling to achieve second consecutive final of the European Cup.
Liverpool put the considerable fortune he had received by selling Coutinho to the signing of defensive pivot Virgil van Dijk, goalkeeper Alisson Becker and midfielders Naby Keita and Fabinho, creating a more complete team.
"Phil Coutinho misses us a lot because he is a world class player and I enjoyed working with him, but we had to manage without him and we played well," Klopp said at the start. a press conference as we approach the first leg at Camp Nou Thursday morning (Singapore time).
"When I heard that he wanted to go to Barcelona, I could not imagine that it would be good, but we did a good job."
Klopp also highlighted the progress made by his team since his replacement from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015, who had to spend two seasons without football in the Champions League.
He also mocked the idea that he might consider the semifinal a distraction from the club's attempt to win a first league title since 1990.
"It was not even two years ago, the club had every interest in qualifying for the Champions League. For the second time in a row, we are in the semifinals. It's positive, "said the German.
"We do not come here thinking it's Barcelona and we're going home to focus on Newcastle. The competition is too big. No one has to think about this game, it would be a big mistake to play Barca with another game in your mind.
"We want a result tomorrow that gives us a good chance to do it at home."
Klopp said his team would devote part of their game plan to Lionel Messi's lineup, but also emphasized the quality that the Barca has elsewhere on the field.
"It's not just about Messi, but of course he is. In many moments, we should focus on Messi, but if we only focus on him, 10 (other) world-class players can decide the game, "he added.
"Messi said before the season (they) want to bring back this cup. All I can say is that we also want to go to the finals. If we can show that tomorrow night, that would be good. REUTERS
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